Billy Beaumont’s fourth-generation farm in Wallingford, Connecticut, is well-known for its whimsical displays and seasonal produce. But, a freak accident on his farm three weeks ago landed the farmer in a hospital undergoing life-saving treatment.
According to the New Haven Register, Beaumont unknowingly splashed gasoline on his pants while working on his farm, and when he started up a tractor engine, a spark ignited the flame. Beaumont sustained severe burns resulting in blood clots — undergoing skin grafts and surgeries at the Bridgeport Hospital.
For nearly two decades, Beaumont Farms has served as a fun place for children to explore Beaumont’s handmade creations. From the new, life-size Candy Land game to Easter, Christmas, and New Year themes, Beaumont’s displays leave him working until the wee hours of the morning to build creations sure to delight all ages of visitors.
“It is what makes me happy, to see little kids from one and two years old, to couples that are 70 years old, playing Candy Land and having so much fun,” Beaumont told New Haven Register. “That is the joy of my life, is that corner.”
»Related: Unlikely perils: The surprising dangers of common ag animals
In support of Beaumont, the community has rallied and organized a GoFundMe campaign with an original goal of $25,000. The goal was raised to $50,000, and $20,482 has been extended to date to help maintain the farm and support Beaumont through medical and financial hurdles.
“He invited the community to come explore his labors of love and never asked for anything in return,” writes Lisa Lohmann, the fund’s organizer. “Billy is a man of great joy and generosity, which can be easily seen through his creative passions and heard in his infectious laughter.”
This week, Lohmann shared that Beaumont was released from the hospital with regular nurse visits. While the family has asked for “no visitors at this time,” neighbors and friends hope to turn the Candy Land display into a spooky Halloween version for the holiday season.
Even while he’s working on healing, friends and family shared with news stations that Beaumont is keeping a notebook to jot down future ideas for farm displays.
»Related: Minnesota man loses legs, yet lucky to be alive after grain bin entrapment
