HARTFORD, Conn. — Autumn is here and more than two dozen corn mazes are available throughout Connecticut offering a unique experience and family-friendly activities. If you haven’t made this a fall tradition yet, now is the time to get started.
“Fall is one of the best times of the year to get out and enjoy all our farms offer,” said Bryan P. Hurlburt, Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner. “Agritourism is an important component to keeping our farms thriving and encouraging consumers to learn more about where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture to Connecticut’s economy and environment.”
At Fort Hill Farms in Thompson this will be the 15th year offering a corn maze to visitors. “Every year the theme changes,” says Kies Orr, who runs the day-to-day operations of the farm in addition to her duties as herdswoman for the 500 milking cows. With a few thousand visitors each year, she says, “It’s a great outing for families and friends, as well as schools and businesses looking for team building and problem solving events.”
In 2019, the seven-acre corn maze is a tribute to the 100th anniversary of Cabot Creamery Cooperative, of which the farm is a member. Throughout the maze visitors will find education stations to learn about the dairy farm families in New England and New York. At the completion, each person will receive a gift of Cabot cheese. “Everything we do here helps to keep the community involved in agriculture and moving forward with our mission to be sustainable,” says Orr.
Each corn maze experience is different and many offer other activities. At Castle Hill Farm in Newtown, in addition to the seven-acre corn maze, they offer a pumpkin patch, hay rides to visit the cows and a petting zoo for younger children. The pumpkin patch has 40 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash on four acres.
A highlight of the Paproski family corn maze is the flashlight maze being offered on Saturday, November 2. Bring your own flashlight to navigate your way through the stalks and then enjoy a bonfire, live band and food trucks.
“Connecticut’s reputation as an Agritourism destination continues to flourish as businesses across the state find new ways to attract residents and visitors with hands-on experiences and home-grown products,” said Randy Fiveash, director, Connecticut Office of Tourism. “Connecticut’s wealth and diversity of agricultural offerings, especially during the fall foliage season, is one of the state’s greatest tourism assets.”
Before you head out to a corn maze, keep these tips in mind:
- Allow ample time to complete your adventure
- Wear comfortable and appropriate footwear for the conditions
- Bring water
- Apply sunscreen and/or wear a hat
- Bring your cellphone
–Connecticut Department of Agriculture
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