Tuesday October 20, 2020 | Reposted October 13, 2020 | SAANICH, BC
by Kiley Verboski for Island Social Trends
Outdoor family fun is back for the month of October at Galey Farms in Saanich but festivities look a little different this year due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
All visitors must book advance tickets online in half hour slots. The corn maze, kid-friendly ghost town, train ride, pumpkin patch, and Carnevil haunted house are operational this year.
Unfortunately, hay rides, the petting zoo, kids zone, bouncy land, and the entertainment stage is closed because, “all those things are where people congregate,” according to Rob Galey, owner of Galey Farms.
But of course the infamous very-tall gnome (relocated from another community) is new and that’s attracting new visitors this year.
The farm’s fall operations were hit hard by the pandemic, but Galey optimistically chose to plant corn in the spring. After months spent building a safety plan and negotiating with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), Galey says, “I can swear on the Bible. This is a safe place to come.”
Stringent social distancing measures, sanitizing practices on touch zones like the train, and hand sanitizer before and after every activity are working to keep visitors healthy.
As for Galey’s corn crops – he’s grateful for his foresight. He had to cut the maze lanes wider than usual (12 ft this year) so two groups can safely pass each other, but otherwise, it’s the same old fun.
Galey Farms with corn maze, market and railway is located at 4150 Blenkinsop Road (corner of Alison). The pumpkin patch is free to visit any time.