Scott and Amber Hawkins brought their children out Saturday for the first time to visit a public attraction in about eight weeks.
The Mustang family went to Chester’s Party Barn & farm in Piedmont on Saturday, May 16, when owner Robin Hocker, also known as Chester The Clown, reopened to the public. He had been closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing, hand sanitizing and masks were in use and encouraged for the return of visitors.
People washed their hands before feeding the small animals in the petting zoo and afterward.
“It’s pretty cool,” Scott Hawkins said. “It’s pretty cool.” His daughter Saige, 3, fed the goats.
He said Amber Hawkins kept his children busy with arts and crafts during shelter in place days.
Chester’s canceled all events and public visits. There have been no weddings. But a walk-in wedding day is being planned for June. More details to come.
Lauren Ranney, 18, and Jasie Dinkel, 21, both of Piedmont, kept the pony rides going Saturday as the rain stayed away and people came to get in line.
“We’ve been pretty busy and have had a steady flow of kids and a lot of pony rides today. I’m really glad everyone came out. I was really worried the rain would scare everyone away,” Dinkel said.
Averie Orcutt, 7, of Oklahoma City, wearing her pink cowboy boots and hat, rode a pony. Her sister Makayla, 5, rode behind her.
Hocker said, “It’s been fantastic, it’s a beautiful day. We’ve had beautiful families come out here.”
Hocker wore a black mask as he spoke. He said he shut the barn and farm down on March 14.
“I don’t know how many but we have had a lot. The concession stand is busy, pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides, picnic,” Hocker said.
Chester’s is located at 5201 Cimarron Road NW in Piedmont, just north of NW 206, about 3 miles south of Waterloo Road and about 3 miles north of Northwest Expressway.
For more information call (405) 373-1595.
