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Families are being urged to steer clear of busy times at a Northampton pumpkin farm so everyone can still enjoy some spook-tacular social distancing fun ahead of Halloween.
For the second year running, staff at Smiths Farm shop are opening up their fields again, so visitors can pick their own pumpkins, but proprietor of the farm shop, Adrian Smith is warning people to be sensible.
He said: “Providing people adhere to the rule of six people, pumpkin-picking in the great outdoors is relatively risk free during the pandemic and is guaranteed to be fun. But our customers’ safety is our number one priority, so we’re urging people to avoid busy times when they come to pick their pumpkins otherwise we’ll be forced to turn visitors away.
“Last year we only got busy during half term, but we’ve already seen increased numbers prior to the forthcoming school holiday. I think families are looking for activities to do which are fun and safe, which is completely understandable.
“Social distancing measures will still be in place in our fields and we fully expect everyone to stick to the rule of six in any group at any one time.”
Adrian is advising that families who have babies, toddlers and children of pre-school or nursey age should consider visiting the farm the week prior to half term, which commences Monday, October 19.
Adrian added: “This week, before half term starts, we’re expecting a lot of kids to come by and visit from 3pm onwards, when schools close. I recommend families with small kids should come along before that.
“We have plenty of pumpkins available but to ensure everyone remains safe, I’m asking that that people steer clear of peak times over half term. Last year, our busy periods were between 11am to 3pm. But we’re open from 9am to 530pm, so there’s plenty of time for people to visit.”
Despite the pandemic, staff at the Brampton shop have been working hard to ensure this year’s pumpkin picking is as fun as it can be. Together, the team have built an 8ft spider structure which is being displayed for visitors to pose in front of and post to social media to accompany the event.
Shoppers have access to the field right up until Halloween on Saturday, October 31.
Customers are being encouraged to enter a pumpkin carving competition by posting their artwork onto Twitter using #HalloweenatSmiths2020.
The chosen winner will be unveiled via the micro-blogging platform and will receive a bag of scary goodies from the farm shop.
Visitors are being reminded that only groups of six can visit the field and customers inside the shop are limited. Everyone must wear a face covering in the shop.