FAQS

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How do I book my tickets and time slot?

Select your pick date and purchase ticket(s) for each individual. Each person (ages 3+) picking needs a ticket.​

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Why do I need to book a time slot? 

Safety picking guidelines per MA Bulletin 2020-16, the Commonwealth of MA in response to COVID 19 includes robust social distancing guidelines with a limited number of PYO guests who may enter fields, play areas and orchards at one time. To meet state requirements, Cider Hill Farm is able to allow limited people to enter each field at one single time. Time slots help us manage each field's occupancy.

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What does the ticket price include?
The ticket includes 1 ticket + 1 quart of strawberry picking.

How long may I pick strawberries?
Stay and relax. Assume at least 1.5 hours for your picking experience.

Do I have to pre-purchase tickets? Can I just show up to pick?
For picking before 12 pm, you need to pre-purchase tickets. However, walk-in pickers are welcome between 12 pm and 4 pm daily!

Will there be more picking dates available than what I see here?
We will add more dates every 48 hours as we monitor fields and weather.

Do I need to purchase tickets for children?
Children 3 years and younger do not need tickets.

Arrival - How to Check In

Follow Pick Your Own signage. Here, you will pick up your 1.) pre-purchased picking containers and wristbands 2.) retrieve your designated field assignment. When you arrive at your assigned strawberry field, an attendant on location will assign you specific rows. This allows for safe distancing + access to the best picking spot! Allow for 1.5 hours for your total picking experience.

Do I need to wear a mask?
MDAR requires anyone in pick-your-own areas to wear a face covering. Masks are required at all times on Cider Hill Farm property until further notice. Per the CDC, children under 2 do not require (and recommend not to wear) masks. Please be extra mindful to increase hand washing and eliminate unnecessary touching where ever it may be possible.

May I bring my own picking container?
Personal picking containers are prohibited per MDAR requirements. Upon check-in for strawberry picking, you will receive picking containers. Additional containers will be available for sale on the farm.

Will pre-picked strawberries be in the farm store?
Absolutely. If you don't fee like picking strawberries, just head into the farm store.

I would like to pick large volumes of strawberries this season. What are my options?
Order 1 quart online to book your picking day. When you arrive, you may choose a larger picking container that holds up to 8 quarts at a time.

Why is the ticket price $8?
State requirements for pick-your-own have not only decreased our field occupancy but has also 3x our required labor and added many additional operating expenses. We are doing our best to be able to offer the same experiences to our guests that we have in the past; however, we do have to make certain decisions to insure the security of our farm for years to come. Strawberries will be our first pick-your-own crop and we hope to be able to learn our new way of business and refine it for future crops.

Refunds/Transfers
For tickets purchased after 6/18/20, tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable unless we close the fields due to extreme weather. However, you do have the option to use your pre-purchased tickets anytime between 12-4 pm during daily walk-in hours if you cannot make your scheduled picking day/time.

Picking Locations & Preferences
We will be opening 6 strawberry fields to the public. 3 of the fields are accessible by foot and 3 require hayrides. Our team understands that your kiddos might want to take a hayride or some folks are seriously craving a gorgeous walk amidst the orchards or are unable to walk extended distances. We promise - we understand and will best accommodate your needs upon arrival.

Safety & Sanitation

• If you are not feeling well, please stay home.

• Follow all PYO signage and assigned picking locations

• Per MA Bulletin 2020-16, pickers must keep your mask on at all times. Customers who do not have masks or cloth face coverings are not allowed to pick.

• Wash your hands at wash stations prior to picking

• Maintain social distancing space of at least six (6) feet from one another, or between family groups

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Children must maintain proximity to family members and guardians while in PYO areas

• Minimize any unnecessary touching - look for ripeness before you pick fruit (this is an important picking practice anyway :)  

• No sampling or consuming strawberries or other foods while picking strawberries

Strollers & Wagons
We encourage strollers that are suited for dirt roads. Minimal gray wagons will be available. Use DIY stations to sanitize each wagon between use.

Restrooms
Plan accordingly. The farm offers port-o-johns with wash stations. All port-o-johns will be space apart with sanitation guidelines posted. 

Important Details

• All individuals over 3 years of age in PYO fields must have a ticket.

• Additional picking containers will be available for purchase at picking location.

• Book time slots in advance. We are unable to guarantee picking without reservation.

• No outside picking containers allowed.

• Keep personal items to a minimum including backpacks - diaper bags permitted.

• Picking is rain or shine - wear those cute farm boots!

• Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable for any tickets purchased after 11:45 am on 6/18/20. However, you do have the option to use your pre-purchased tickets anytime between 12-4 pm during daily walk-in hours. if you cannot make your scheduled picking day/time.

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Running Early or Late
Do your best to arrive at the time you booked so we can maintain safe distancing measures. If you are running a few minutes late or early, that's ok. Strawberry picking shouldn't be stressful. 

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Emergency/Circumstances

While tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, we understand emergencies occur. Please complete this form and farm staff will get back to you within 48 hours.

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