Cider mills and Halloween attractions are open, such as Denny’s U-Pick Pumpkins. Shelby Beaty | Washtenaw Voice
By Shelby Beaty
Contributor
The fall season is in full swing with cooling temperatures, bright falling leaves and seasonal produce and foods. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the traditions of apple picking and pumpkin picking, but many cider mills and “haunted” Halloween attractions are open with health and safety modifications.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance on how to safely celebrate Halloween during the pandemic. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends alternative ways to celebrate this year.
The City of Ann Arbor is encouraging families to celebrate Halloween safely at home. Most importantly, if you choose to celebrate the holiday outside of your home, the city is asking all residents to follow the below safety tips as well as Washtenaw County Health local orders on social gatherings and events in Ann Arbor.
The Washtenaw County Health Department has more information about Halloween safety.
And, check out halloween2020.org to find activities and ways to celebrate Halloween this year based on levels of COVID-19 risks in your area.
Here are some samples of the area cider mills and Halloween attractions.
Cider Mills
Erwin Orchards
61475 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon
Hours: Seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Attractions: U-pick apples and raspberries, fresh apple cider and donuts, wagon rides and corn maze
- Staff and visitors ages five and older wear masks
- Guests to maintain six feet of social distance
- Hand sanitizer stations available
Wiard’s Orchards Country Store
5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti
Hours: Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday closed
Attractions: U-pick apples and pumpkins, corn maze and hayrides
- Masks required
- Guests to maintain six feet of social distance
- Hand sanitizer stations available
Parmenter’s Northville (drive-thru only)
714 Base Line Road, Northville
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Attractions: Fresh donuts, apples, cider, honey, jam and caramel apples
- Masks required while placing orders
- Customers remain inside of car
Denny’s U-pick Pumpkins
4260 Gotfredson Road, Plymouth
Hours: Seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Attractions: U-pick pumpkins and corn maze
Haunted attractions
Hush Haunted Attraction
37550 Cherry Hill Road, Westland
Hours: Weekdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., weekends 7 p.m. to midnight
Attractions: Three themed attractions in one location.
- Masks required
- Six feet of social distancing required
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitation
- Contact-free enhancements
Erebus Haunted Attraction
18 S Perry St., Pontiac
Hours: Weekdays (Monday through Thursday) 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., weekends (Friday and Saturday) 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Attractions: Michigan’s largest haunted house in a four-story building.
- Masks required
- Six feet of social distancing required
- Temperature checks upon entry
- Limited number of tickets being sold to reduce capacity
Wiards Night Terrors Haunted Thrill Park
5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti
Hours: Friday through Sunday 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Attractions: Four attractions located at Wiard’s Orchard.
- Masks required
- Six feet of social distancing required
- Additional sanitizing stations available
- Increased cleaning of high-traffic areas
- Limited number of tickets being sold to reduce capacity
*Walk-up tickets may not be available