Pumpkin patches fill the Halloween void for parents and children

VENTURA, Calif. - Pumpkin patches are filling a void as parents try to replace trick-or-treating fun to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

Sal's Pumpkins off the Seaward exit of the 101 freeway in Ventura is hoping the city will allow them to open up their spider-shaped jolly jumper this week.

In the meantime, children can pick from pumpkins of all sizes and several colors.

They can also meet a pair of baby pot-bellied pigs.

Crystal Salinas, of Ventura, said it's hard to explain to her son and daughter that Halloween will be different this year.

"A lot of the activities for them are closed, and it is hard to explain to them, you know, about the whole COVID situation, but we do our best to still come and keep our distance," said Salinas.

Sal's Pumpkin patch requires face coverings and physical distancing.

The business, which will sell Christmas trees after Halloween, also has holiday music and a fog machine.