Friday, April 24, 2020

Patch is Opening Saturday April 25 @ 6:30AM

Hello!  We'll be opening the patch on Saturday at 6:30 AM.  How long we'll be open will depend on picking conditions.  Due to the extreme increase in demand, we've only been able to be open for a few hours before getting picked out.  Please keep this in mind, especially if you are traveling from far away.  We estimate that the patch will be picked out by 9AM, based on the previous few days we've been open.  Therefore, we do not recommend you coming from more than an hour away, unless you're planning on getting here upon opening. Also, please note there are a few changes that we'll be implementing.  Beginning Saturday morning, limit 2 baskets per family.  Also, due to limits in the supply chain for our plastic baskets, we are asking that you pick into our baskets, then after you pick, we'll have a station with bags where you may transfer your picked berries into a bag and take the bag of berries home with you.  We'll keep the baskets, wash/sanitize them and re-use them at a later date.  If you happen to have baskets that you've used to pick from our farm this year, please bring those when you come and drop them off.  You'll pick in the new/sanitized containers (requirement of VA Dept. of Agriculture) and you'll drop off your old ones for us to sanitize and re-use at a later date.  Also, children should be with their caretakers at all times, and their behavior should be carefully monitored both in the patch and in the parking area. 
As always, here are a few other things to keep in mind while at the patch: use the hand sanitizer, provided.  Strawberries are $10/basket, exact change cash or check on the honor system, which means you simply place your money in the black box near the gate.  Checks should be made out to "Browder's Fresh Pickins" and we do not accept debit or credit cards.  Pick before you pay. Maintain social distancing at all times - at least 6 feet apart.  No more than 10 people/picking section.  There are multiple picking sections and they are well marked.  If you have masks & gloves, please bring them and wear them.  If you have any symptoms (fever, coughing, etc.), please do not come.  For the safety of everyone, once you've picked your berries, please vacate the premises - this allows for more folks to safety enter and exit the patch.  We appreciate your patience and flexibility, while we're all trying to navigate these unprecedented times. 

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