Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
A sign outside the gates of St. Bernard Farms reminds visitors that a face mask is required by health and safety guidelines for entry into the facilities.
CLOVIS - Following amendments to state public health orders, a pair of Clovis establishments have received the green light for socially distanced activities.
On Friday, St. Bernard Farms opened its attractions, and Hook's Alley announced bowling leagues were cleared to practice the following week.
St. Bernard Farms is known locally for its pumpkin patch, corn mazes, jungle gyms, and other small rides and attractions. Due to COVID-19 it had to change some normal operations to adhere to state health and safety guidelines.
The farm's playgrounds remain closed, given the difficulty in keeping them sanitized. The zip line and pumpkin patch are also closed for similar reasons, but pre-picked pumpkins are still for sale in the park.
St. Bernard Farms is asking visitors to come in groups of 10 people or less, and maintain a 6-foot distance between others. Masks are required for entry, and hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the park. Thorough cleaning procedures will be conducted before opening, during visiting hours, and after closing.
Marcella Chavez-Roy, an employee of the farm, said the opening weekend was slower than previous years.
"I think it was due to COVID, the restrictions, regulations. A lot of people of course are against wearing the mask," Chavez-Roy said. "I think that's what is probably turning a lot of people away is that."
Haunted houses are not allowed under state health orders this year, but the farm will have its usual haunted maze to take its place.
Hook's Alley representatives could not reached for comment, but have posted an update on Facebook letting their followers know that league bowling would commence this week. Bowlers will be allowed in at 25% capacity, and more information on joining a bowling league can be found on their page.
Hook's Alley's reopening comes after more than six months of being closed. Its attached restaurant, Red Door Brewing Company, has been open with patio dining for over a month and a half, and indoor dining at 25% capacity since Aug. 29.
"We haven't been serving or seating people in the bowling alley," Red Door Operations Manager Ali Cattin said.
"The 25% in our taproom will stay in effect, but then we'll have spill over into the bowing alley now."
Red Door does not get to increase its occupancy size because of the bowling alley's reopening, but bowlers can receive food and beverage service in Hook's Alley without impacting the restaurant's occupancy restrictions.
