Halloween season just got more fun. Tri-Cities corn mazes and more now allowed

The Halloween season in the Tri-Cities got more fun on Monday as Gov. Jay Inslee lifted restrictions for commercial pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

Agritourism activities like most hay rides, mazes, bon fires and animal viewing had been banned in Benton and Franklin counties.

The Tri-Cities area remains in modified Phase 1 of the Safe Start Plan for reopening activities and businesses closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“This is welcomed progress because our small growers and rural ag businesses have also struggled,” said Dr. Amy Person, health officer at the Benton Franklin Health District.

The lifting of more restrictions in the two counties shows state officials are recognizing the progress made locally to reduce the spread of the virus, she said.

The newly allowed activities are outdoors, which makes them safer, but there still will be requirements to make sure they operate safely and to reduce the chance they lead to new cases of COVID-19, Dr. Person said.

“Customers need to wear masks and properly distance,” she said. “And, as always, do not come if you are ill.”

Safety requirements

Earlier this month the governor and the Washington state Department of Health said pumpkin patches could open as a u-pick farm activity, but without the extras allowed as of Monday, such as playgrounds and animals.

Requirements set by the state include frequent cleaning of commonly touched surfaces and reducing playground and farm equipment activity for children to 50% of capacity.

Groups in corn mazes will be restricted to a single household or not more than five nonhousehold members.

Indoor activities at agritourism businesses remain limited to retail and food service.

Agritourism activity restrictions also were lifted in Yakima County on Monday, which also remains in a modified Phase 1 of reopening.

This story was originally published September 21, 2020 at 3:01 PM.