Pumpkin Patch Tradition Continues Amid Pandemic

Despite the pandemic, Kula Country Farms chose to continue the annual tradition of opening their pumpkin patch to the public. This event is happening from October 1st through the 31st, with a few changes implemented for guest safety.

Photo Credit: kulacountryfarmsmaui.com

Upon entering the premises, there may be a long line. At its peak times, the farm limits the number of guests allowed on the property to enforce social distancing. According to Google, Saturdays around lunchtime are its busiest hours. At the entrance, they do a quick, short screening where they ask if guests have been experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19. In addition, they will take temperature checks. If the guests pass the screening test, they will be allowed to enter the farm.

“It’s great they’re making an effort at keeping everyone safe, but someone could’ve gotten COVID right before entering, and the fever would have not appeared, making the whole point of checking their temperature useless,” Jairene Tadena, a Junior at Maui High, states.

Photo Credit: mauifamilymagazine.com

This year, many things are not present on the farm, including seating areas, bathrooms, and even the corn maze that they usually have. In addition to that, there is a 15-minute time limit to being within the actual pumpkin patch. “With all the new changes, it did take away some of the magic and fun from the experience,” says Junior, Kristine Bonilla. “I know it’s part of the process of reducing the spread of COVID. We need to be patient and vigilant with all these new local and global changes during these trying times.”

Hannah Okamoto, another Junior, explains, “I do think that it was good for them to open the patch this year because they are taking a lot of precautions and it’s a good way to support local. I think with everything being canceled this year due to the pandemic, the pumpkin patch gives everyone something to look forward to, and I’m glad they didn’t decide to cancel it.”

For more information about the newly added COVID-19 rules, you may visit the Kula Country Farms’ website.

Photo Credit: mauifamilymagazine.com