Fall has arrived, introducing the autumn air, the tasty treats, the line-up of holidays and the variety of festive activities. In past years, people would gather for themed parties, walkthrough pumpkin patches and haunted houses, but this year is different.

 Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, changes have been made towards activities throughout Broward County; these changes provide the fall experience while following the CDC guidelines. 

“My favorite part of fall is the weather because I can wear all my hoodies now,” Marjory Stoneman Douglas junior Chanel Lee said. “I’m also so excited to carve pumpkins with my family for Halloween.” 

On Friday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m, the Equestrian Center, located in Parkland, Broward Health of Coral Spring and Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, is presenting the Flick or Treat Halloween Drive-Thru. The event includes special treats, pumpkin giveaways, Halloween displays and a drive-in theater playing Hotel Transylvania at 7 p.m. Along with these exciting activities, people are encouraged to wear costumes. 

The event is open to Parkland residents only and space is limited. People are to remain in their vehicles, unless using the restroom, and masks are required. 

On Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Broward Health in both Coral Springs and Fort Lauderdale will be hosting a drive-thru pumpkin patch. There will be music, characters, and each family will receive one hand-picked pumpkin (while supplies last) and a pumpkin treat bag for the kids. To participate, families can register on their online websites.  

Another local fall activity is the City of Parkland’s Farmers’ Market, which will be held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will begin on Sunday, Nov. 1 at the Equestrian Center in Parkland; the full calendar can be found on their website. Originally, the event was set to be a drive-thru, but now Broward County has permitted walking while remaining socially distanced. 

The Farmers’ Market consists of several booths with unique finds, varying from foods to dog collars. Every week will feature a new theme such as Craft Fair or Community Awareness, so be on the lookout for those details. 

You can still have an amazing fall season in the comfort of your own home. Some people choose to be extra cautious with COVID-19 by staying home. There are various activities you can do at home, including carving pumpkins, baking festive treats, decorating the house, drinking apple cider, playing Halloween bingo and watching spooky movies. 

“One of my favorite fall things to do is bake oatmeal cookies while listening to music, so I can have something to eat when watching a movie at night,” freshman Stefanie Walker said.

COVID-19 may be altering the way things are normally done, but steps are being taken in order to provide everyone with a safe and festive fall season.