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The most popular pumpkin patch in the Okanagan has been ordered to close by Interior Health.
On Wednesday, Davison Orchards confirmed that its pumpkin patch and pick-your-own-pumpkin trailer ride will be closed for the remainder of the season.
"Pumpkin patch is now closed for the remainder of the season. We still have thousands of pumpkins available for sale in the market area," announced the farm via Facebook.
"Interior Health has notified us that they are classifying U-Pick Pumpkin fields as an Event. Therefore we are unable to open our fields. Thank you for understanding."
We are open 9am-6pm Daily & our Farmhouse Cafe until 4pm. Pumpkin patch is now closed for the remainder of the season....
Posted by Davison Orchards on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
While Interior Health didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, the BC Centre for Disease Control's website states that public gatherings, including seasonal fairs, can be no larger than 50 people.
The health authority's decision sparked over 250 comments on the Davison Orchards Facebook page, the vast majority being upset and confused with the news.
"Pack hundreds of people into Costco (large corporate business) = no problem! Outdoor pumpkin patch (small, local business) = too risky. What bull****," wrote Cindy Lou-Who.
"Literally everyone complaining can just go buy a pumpkin from Davison," commented Allison Bea.
"Sure, your kids don't get the experience this year but you can still give this business your money, take photos on the property, and have a good time. So do that."
Kelowna's most popular pumpkin patch McMillian Farms is asking customers to purchase tickets online before visiting the farm as well as implementing a mandatory mask policy for its hayride.
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