What you can expect if you go to pumpkin patches, hay rides and other fall activities
For many Washington residents, fall means a trip a pumpkin patch, a bonfire, a visit to a hay maze and other traditions.
The good news: Most of those activities can happen during the pandemic, as long as agritourism enterprises meet new guidance from the governor’s office.
Agritourism is defined as a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production or processing with tourism to attract visitors to a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business. Examples include Christmas tree farms, u-pick berry farms, corn mazes and pumpkin patches.
The guidance covers:
- Animal viewing
- Hay wagons/train rides
- Children’s play equipment/games
- Private fire pit/bonfires
However, activities such as indoor haunted houses and corn mazes, high-touch games/activities that cannot be sanitized between each user, such as inflatable jumping equipment and animal petting areas, are not permitted.
As is the case with all businesses, face coverings will need to be worn at all times, except when eating. Businesses that include food and some retail services will follow the guidelines for Farmers Markets. Social distancing and exclusion of people with symptoms are required.
Businesses are urged to use timed ticketing or online/phone reservations for activities to allow for social distancing.
On hay wagons and trains, businesses must ensure there is 6 feet of physical distance between each household group. If physical distancing is not possible, a physical barrier must be used. Load back to front and unload front to back to promote one-way pattern and physical distancing. For trains, cars should be limited to members of the same household, with an empty car between households.
Mazes and haunted areas must be designed as no-touch activities with a one-way path. High-touch props and decorations cannot be used. Staff must manage entrance, allowing for timed entry and appropriate physical distancing between groups. no larger than 5. A clear plastic barrier will be between any actors and customers, and staff cannot change costumes/characters/masks during the show.
Animal viewing exhibits will be held outdoors or in outdoor covered areas with optimal ventilation and one-way traffic.
