The fresh smell of the musky pumpkins and the dark woods off of the busy road. The bright orange color of the hundreds of pumpkins lined up. The crisp, cold wind hitting your face as you try to bundle up heat from your thin sweater. The sight of everyone gathering their big pumpkins into a creaky wagon. The excitement that begins at the pumpkin patch and ends with the enjoyment of the pumpkin you brought home. Dave’s Pumpkin Patch is a local business that is very simple but makes sure that the community is safe and fulfilled.

“My friends and I enjoyed our experience at Dave’s! The atmosphere was very cozy and made us feel at home,” a student at Huntley High School, Arielle Rudas, said.

According to Rudas she really enjoyed taking photos and purchasing a pumpkin, but if you are looking for activities for all ages and food/beverage options, maybe look for another pumpkin patch.

“I enjoyed how everyone there was making sure that everyone followed covid precautions. Each family had to be at least 30 feet apart if you were not wearing a mask to take pictures,” Rudas said.

Dave’s Pumpkin Patch also has another location in the Huntley area, which is a pumpkin farm where you can pick your own pumpkins.

“This year because of covid-19, I decided this would be a good year to try it, I thought it would do a good job of spreading the business out into two different locations so we can reduce the crowds…this is a way people can feel safer,” business owner Dave said.

According to Dave, there have been a lot of precautions and rules revolving around covid-19, as well as modifying the entertainment attractions to follow CDC guidelines. The customers have been very appreciative and cooperative with these changes.

Dave went through times of uncertainty for his business when the pandemic started.

“In May which is planting season, I was just going to plant and hope for the best and see what happens,” Dave said.

He wasn’t sure how this year was going to interrupt his business. He usually does the preparation and planting process by himself, which takes a lot of effort. According to Dave, he enjoyed doing the preparation process and getting out of his house during quarantine. Since he was alone, it was very safe and something for him to do.

Although, there has been a slight struggle with customers following the CDC guidelines at Dave’s Pumpkin Patch. Dave knows that there will be a struggle with these big changes, and sometimes people just won’t follow the precautions.

“We have been very consistent in reminding people about the rules and enforcing the rules because this is serious and is not just for their own safety, but it is for the safety of others,” Dave said.

Businesses will always go through the struggle of disgruntled customers, but they have to deal with it the best way possible.

“My primary goal this fall was to make sure that everyone is safe and people have been coming for years and generations, so my goal is to continue operations and to keep everyone safe,” Dave said.

Dave’s Pumpkin patch has received great business and continues to stay safe this fall.