VIDEO: Popular pumpkin patch makes pandemic preparations

When the pandemic hit, there were fears that the pumpkin patch plans for 2020 might be squashed.

But McMillan Farms is plowing ahead and readying to accept guests starting Saturday.

After 16 years of corn mazes, hayrides, and parties in the pumpkin patch, McMillan Farms decided to find a way to make it 17.

But it's going to be a little different this year.

"You're going to have to book in advance," said Ron McMillan. The plan is to keep visitors to 50 at any one time.

"People can purchase those tickets in advance for the date and time that they want to come out," he explained." Drop-ins are welcome, but you may be turned away.

"If we have capacity, so say we're only booked for 45 people, and 5 people drop-in, and we've got capacity to let them in, we can do that."

The farm is bringing back most of the attractions people have come to expect, including a huge corn maze.

"We'll still do all of the activities," said McMillan. "Things like the corn pit, we won't be able to do anymore. That was impossible to sanitize.

Things like the hayride, we'll still be able to do, but the capacity instead of 25 people will be about 12 to 15 so we'll have lots of spacing between people."

The silver lining for visitors is that they won't have to fight their way through big crowds to enjoy their visit.

"We've maybe had 500 to 1000 people here at a time on a long weekend for example," he said. "You'll have a little more time to wander around the corn maze and not get run over by some kids."

On the downside for the McMillans, the reduced capacity is going to mean a big hit in revenue for the farm. But they're hoping people find time to visit during the week after the weekend bookings fill-up.

"We're hoping though, that with the safety rules we've put in place and advertising, that people are going to feel that it's a good, safe, outdoor activity and believe it's a safe environment for their families."

Booking your visit is easy, just click here.