It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

MILWAUKEE, WIS. – Fall season in Wisconsin is incredible. The months of October and November are filled with influences such as decorating pumpkins, satisfying-autumn flavors, the fresh switch to sweater weather, and colorful leaves.  

Although the pandemic is still here, going to a pumpkin patch is one of the many opportunities to enjoy with the family. The ambition is twice the excitement after everyone forced to quarantine during the holiday last year. For the price of a movie ticket, there are plenty of activities people can do including corn mazes, apple picking, wagon rides, and more. 

With many families trying to make up for lost time, pumpkin farms have had to accommodate their operation hours due to safety guidelines. They also have recommended that visitors should make a reservation and take all the necessary precautions. 

Matthew Raia is a resident from Lindenhurst, Illinois and was one of the visitors at the Kenosha pumpkin patch. He wanted to come with his family because there is something to do for everyone, and they have a tradition of picking pumpkins to carve before Halloween. 

““My parents like the festival food, my brother loves the petting zoo, but my favorite is getting trapped in the corn maze because it’s a great way of bonding with my family,” Raia said. “After the pandemic cancelled this event last year and today to come back and enjoy all of this again is just another thing I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.” 

Sean Shtivelberg worked in the ticket booth at a Kenosha pumpkin field where he handed wristbands to customers. He spoke about his responsibilities and the farm reopening to the public. 

“Seeing little kids so anxious to get inside is the best part about my job,” Shtivelberg said. “My duties switch off depending how busy the day is like last weekend one of our staff members couldn’t come in, so I had to run the tractor for the hayride.” 

According to the CDC, vaccinated individuals should consider wearing masks in packed outdoor spaces, which includes pumpkin patches. The uncertainty of Covid-19 spreading can rise at events like autumn festivals where there are large gatherings. 

On the other hand, another event Wisconsin offers is some of the most terrifying haunted houses in the United States for scare fans. Haunted attractions offer Halloween spirit to customers by providing entertainment of being scared and having nowhere to hide. 

But with the rise of Covid-19 cases again, medical experts have advised a cautious approach, yet large crowds are still determined to wait in cold and long lines seeking that feeling of the adrenaline rush. These Halloween-themed attractions have endorsed to be so scary that staff members must ask guests to sign a waiver, and majority of the houses require an age minimum of 10-12. 

However, there have been a lot of changes this year, for example the number of actors, attendees, and opening hours have shortened. In addition, actors have to use recorded sounds and voice amplifiers because they can’t engage with patrons like they used to. There were too many adjustments that some haunts decided to remain closed.

Emma Fitzgibbons has been an actor at Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America for three years. She summarizes her experiences as some of “the best moments” in her life. 

“What brings me back every year is the thrill of transforming into this different person and giving patrons a fun time and something to react to,” Fitzgibbons said. As far as Covid-19, the park is outside and guests come for a good time so at the end of the day the show must go on.” 

Following guidelines has been easier because businesses went through similar processes last year but harder because nobody thought it would have to happen again. But these autumn attractions have proven to be the safest events since they are outdoors and maintain social distancing.  

To find the best events in the area, owners have suggested referring to their websites for more information.