By Kevin Rothwell

Interior Health shuts down Davison Orchards’ U-pick pumpkin patch

Oct 21, 2020 | 4:09 PM

VERNON, B.C. – For 25 years locals and tourists have been making the trek to Davison Orchards in Bella Vista to ride the tractor train up to the fields and pick their pumpkins.

The Interior Health Authority (IHA) issued an order to the farm to shut down that portion of its operation.

“We have been advised that IHA considers our U-pick pumpkin patch an event, so we can no longer operate it,” Tom Davison said. “What I’m struggling with is that farmers’ markets aren’t considered events but a U-pick pumpkin patch is?”

The popular farm market had thousands of pumpkins brought down to the main yard so people can still get them.

“The size this year is terrific; the plants didn’t know about COVID. It was a wonderful growing year,” Davison added.

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“The season started slow, back in May people weren’t moving around much. May and June were slow, but the summer really picked up and people really got behind supporting local businesses. It’s too bad this happened but we want to stay positive and finish the season,” he said.

Provincial health rules prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people. It is unclear if IHA took the action unilaterally or if it was complaint-driven.

The farm store will be open for business until the end of October, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and the Farmhouse Cafe will be open each day until 4 p.m.