As fall approaches, COVID-19 has left many questioning whether or not traditional fall activities will happen, and if they do, what they will look like.
When the bright green leaves turn to shades of red, orange and yellow, it is a sign fall is coming. Many people eagerly wait for sweater weather and “falltivities.” Visiting apple orchards, pumpkin patches and haunted houses are all common fall activities people look forward to each year.
Apple picking is a popular activity during the fall. At most apple orchards, they provide customers a bag to put the apples in. After the customers are done apple picking, the bag is weighed and the customer pays a certain amount of money based on the weight of the bag.
Senior Emma Cramer recently visited Stone’s Apple Barn in East Moline. However, the establishment adjusted their procedures due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Masks were required while riding the tractor out into the apple orchard, but were allowed off once we started picking apples away from other groups,” Cramer said.
Visiting pumpkin patches is also a common tradition during the fall. Farms such as Shady Knoll Farm ask all customers to follow CDC guidelines and to properly social distance. Due to CDC guidelines, the farm has removed some activities.
Bunnyville, an activity that allowed people to interact with the bunnies on the farm for a 2 dollar fee, has been removed. Along with being able to purchase a bag of oats to feed the goats and sheep. However, the corn mazes and pumpkin patches are still open as normal.
Haunted housing is another popular fall activity. People of almost all ages crowd into these small buildings to experience the thrill of being scared. However, haunted houses look different this year due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 restrictions have prevented actors from using an effective way of scaring customers: getting up close and personal. Skellington Manor is a popular haunted house visited in the Quad Cities. The lines to get into the haunted house have been spaced at least six feet apart and all actors and customers are required to wear masks.
Senior Seth Clausen visited Skellington Manor on Oct. 10 and has been in the past as well. “There weren’t as many actors this year and they tried not to get too close,” Clausen said. “It was still fun though and I hope to go again soon.” He continued.
COVID-19 has changed the way some traditional fall activities occur, but none have appeared to be canceled. As long as CDC guidelines are being followed and people properly practice social distancing, these activities will hopefully continue.
