Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of apple picking season at Fern Valley Farms in Wilbraham.

"I would say we've had 150 customers so far this weekend," says the owner, Dan Fernandes.

Fernandes opened Fern Valley Farms four years ago. People can feed their goats and get some food while there. They even have a brewery come on the weekends. Like most businesses, the pandemic has forced the farm to add some new rules and adjustments to make sure everyone stays safe.

"We require masks to be worn at all times while picking and around the orchard," says Fernandes.

But like restaurants, when you get to the picnic area, customers can take their masks off. The tables are spaced apart from each other under the tents.

"This is really the most, the best social distancing you can do, we have 13 acres, 14 acre apple orchard, nice view, multiple picnic tables socially distant apart, more than six feet," says Fernandes. "So we have plenty of room to get apart from each other and still have a good time."

On Monday, the Perkins family was out picking apples. Matt and Kerryn brought their two kids, Eva and Franklin. The Perkins' live within five minutes so they decided to come out this season. It was their first time and they say it's the perfect activity to do during the pandemic because they can be outside but stay away from others.

Five-year-old Brandon Montagna was there with his family. He says he learned how many seeds are in an apple and enjoyed his day.

"Since this is an apple orchard, I'm going to eat an apple here," Montagna says.

Although families came to Fern Valley Farms to pick some apples, their favorite part seemed to be what comes after.

"Eating them," say Eva and Franklin Perkins.

Business was good for apple picking on Labor Day and the entire weekend, but it wasn't as busy as it usually is. Fernandes says he is optimistic business will change with the season.  

"So this year, it seems a little slower but I think people will eventually get out there when it's more fall weather," he says.

The apple picking goes until about October at Fern Valley Farms and then pumpkin picking starts. The farm is located up the hill on 758 Main Street in Wilbraham.