Local Farms Refuse to Let COVID-19 Stop Them From Hosting Fall Activities

While the global pandemic has cancelled many annual fall activities in the Lynchburg area, friends and family can still continue their traditions this fall at Yoders’ Farm and Smith’s Pumpkin Patch. 

Yoders’ Farm and Smith’s Pumpkin Patch adapted to the challenges of COVID-19 but are optimistic about how they will each be a place for friends and family to connect this fall. 

Located in Rustburg and dating back to 1952, Yoders’ Farm offers many fall products and provides activities that bring families together for fall fun. Less than 20 minutes from Liberty’s Campus, this family farm provides an opportunity to get outside, according to Delvin Yoder, owner of Yoders’ Farm. 

“One year after another (the patch has) grown, people seem to enjoy the green space, (and) we aren’t that far from Lynchburg and Liberty and other colleges,” Yoder said. “Lynchburg is a family town and we’re a family. We like to have an opportunity for families to get out with their kids and do something.” 

The farm’s pumpkin patch offers a wide range of pumpkins this fall, including decorative and edible pumpkins, according to Yoder. The Farm Store also offers products such as baked goods, jams and jellies, honey and apples. Visitors can also stop by the Snack Shack for funnel cakes, cider slushies, and soft serve ice cream.

With 150 acres of farmland, including 20-30 acres of agritourism, the wide area of green space allows for a variety of activities: a boat and tractor to climb on, duck races and a corn pit. 

An increasingly popular fall activity at Yoders’ Farm is the corn maze. With a challenging but not too intimidating design this year, families and friends can get exercise and use decision-making skills in the maze, according to Yoder. While admission to the farm is free, corn maze tickets are $8.

“The corn maze is a whole different animal,” Yoder said. “We are able to custom cut this maze to whatever design we would like it to be.”

This year’s design is a tribute to 2020. Emblems in the design include the year 2020, a roll of toilet paper, a farmer wearing a mask and finally, a heart with a cross to represent nurses, doctors and first responders, according to the Yoders’ Farm website.

COVID-19 not only inspired the corn maze design at Yoders’ Farm but changed a few procedures around the farm as well. Yoder said they have adapted to accommodate families while following safety guidelines. The large open space of their farm allows for people to spread out and be safe.

“We’ll do our part; we’ve got our staff wearing masks when there’s people here and we’ve got room for you to socially distance,” he said. “We’ve got some signs to remind folks to do that.”

Yoders’ Farm decided to eliminate hayrides from its list of activities and expedite the process of corn maze ticket sales by having online ticket purchasing, according to Yoder.

While COVID-19 caused Yoders’ Farm to adapt, it has not changed the community impact of the farm. According to Yoder, families want to get outside and have wholesome fall fun. 

“We feel like God’s good sunshine and some space and open air is a great place to be safe and enjoy yourself,” Yoder said. 

Another local fall gathering place is Smith’s Pumpkin Patch. Located in Lynchburg for the past 26 years, the family-owned pumpkin patch has become a tradition for friends and family. Lenaya Smith, owner of Smith’s Pumpkin Patch, said her main goal is to connect families. 

“If you look around, you won’t see anybody on their phone or their devices,” Smith said. “The Lord gave us a passion for families.”

While typically six bounce houses are a main attraction at Smith’s Pumpkin Patch, the Smiths could not provide them this year because of social distancing guidelines. More sterilization has also been implemented. While COVID-19 has brought challenges, Smith is optimistic. 

“We come from the viewpoint that the Lord gives us what we can have, and we take nothing for granted,” she said. “So, praise the Lord if we make one dollar or if we make thousands.” 

Admission to Smith’s pumpkin Patch is $5 and includes activities such as painting pumpkins, a slingshot, teepees, a roll tunnel, a great big boat and a fire truck. Hayrides are also available for $2. The open outdoor space allows families to have a large and safe place to gather, according to Smith. 

“It’s an open-air facility, and we’ve got 20 acres here so there’s plenty of room to roam,” Smith said. “It makes it nice to just run around and play.” 

Yoders’ Farm, located at 1134 Browns Mill Rd, Rustburg, VA 24588, welcomes visitors now through Nov. 11. Smith’s Pumpkin Patch, located at 6204 Fort Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24502, is open for fall activities now through Oct. 31.

Mia Nelson is a News Reporter.