Don and Jodi Brauen's annual gourd open house Sept. 7-8
Brauen's Gourds will hold a fall open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, and 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8.
The open house is at the rural residence of Don and Jody Brauen, 7140 Tom Fett Road, Bluffton. Hundreds of decorative gourds will be available for sale. The gourds are created in an assortment of themes from seasonal to sports teams.
Inspired by a friend who grew gourds, the Brauens began with a small patch 10 years ago. Since then that patch has grown to cover three acres, producing up to 8,000 gourds a year. Among the varieties customers traditionally see include kettles, martins, bushels, penguins, apples and canteens.
Don, who calls the gourd project a "true craft," says that customers will see lots of new designs in this year's open house.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- History Day scavenger hunt with 12 clues
- Remembering the magic of Hankish sweet shop on Aug. 8
- Pirate boys golf opens with a win at Ft. Jennings, 2nd at Royal Invite
- Pirate girls golf opens season with Lincolnview Invite
- WIP Wednesday: Bluffton Scrap Artist Quilters
- July 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Monday, August 3, 2026
- Bluffton Free or Reduced Lunch Program signup begins for 2026-2027
- Richland Township appoints new Zoning officials, hiring roads and zoning employees
- 2025-2026 BHS Athletic Boosters fundraiser goes digital
- Chicken BBQ tickets available for August 8, Bluffton History Day
- 2026 PorchFest preview: Amanda Rule, Dylan Spindler, Mason Ault and Piece of Mind