One of the most popular times of the year has arrived for Barrie Hill Farms. And for those asking, yes, you can still pick your own strawberries.
Strawberry season for the popular Springwater Township farm began Wednesday with the announcement of the pick-your-own option.
Barrie Hill Farms owner Morris Gervais told BarrieToday he was excited when he was informed they could continue their popular pastime.
“When the ministry of agriculture deemed us as essential, we were very happy knowing we could continue doing what we do,” Gervais said. “As far as what we can do with strawberry picking, there are some changes, but not too many and folks will still have safe fun.”
There will be no wagon ride this year, though. Gervais said the logistics of keeping it safe and clean after every use was too much.
The website also asks questions to potential visitors as an evaluation as to if they should come to the farm.
“We are allowed to have some people out there picking their own produce, but we want them to be careful in case they’ve experienced any COVID symptoms,” Gervais said. “It's become the new normal, but check your temperature, who you have been in contact with, that sort of thing.”
Barrie Hill Farms took control of the health crisis immediately and has been able to adapt with changes that seem to be working.
Staff members are equipped with face shields and the market has been marked with one-way walking signs.
The pick-up and drive-thru options have also been very popular, Gervais said.
“You're never really sure how people will take to change, but some of these changes have worked out great,” he said. “The community has really rallied around us and the safety precautions we’ve made.”
Pickers will be assigned to rows that will allow them or their family group to maintain a safe distance from other pickers.
Pickers are asked to come in groups of five or less and from the same household. There's a maximum of two children aged 12 and under per adult.
Head to the website for more rules and times for picking.
