A corn maze will be held in Meadows of Dan starting on Labor Day weekend, according to Valerie Shelor, an organizer of the event.
Visitors to the 2018 Meadows of Dan (MOD) Corn Maze can wind their way through an intricate design of a tractor pulling a wagon filled with pumpkins, according to Shelor, who said this marks the first maze in a few years.
Shelor said she and co-organizer Jamie Puckett decided to host the event after Puckett approached Shelor and said, “’I always wanted to do my own maze.’”
Her husband, Barry Shelor, offered to plant the corn, and the idea grew from there, according to Valerie Shelor.
“We wanted to be sure a pumpkin and a tractor were in the design,” Shelor said, adding that Puckett and his wife, Sylva Puckett, came up with the design. Then, Jamie Puckett cut out the design.
For her part, Shelor said “I want to give kids the opportunity to get out and exercise, get off their phones, get off their tablets and get some fresh air and exercise.”
But “the main thing is I want all kids to have a pumpkin. When we were growing up, we couldn’t afford a pumpkin, and there was nothing that made me happier than getting a pumpkin and watching Charlie Brown,” she said.
A “pick your own” pumpkin patch will be included as part of the attraction, with pumpkins available “at a very reasonable fee so people can afford them,” Shelor said.
The maze also includes a play area for youngsters, farm animals and corn-hole games, Shelor said, adding that refreshments will be available for sale.
The maze will be open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Shelor said, adding it will run through November 4. It is located .10 mile off U.S. 58 on Mabry Mill Road and a mile from Mabry Mill, she said.
Entry fees (cash only) are $10 for ages 13 and over and $5 for those aged four to 12-years-old, she said. Those aged three and under are admitted free.
Organizers also are offering discounted rates for groups of 20 or more, Shelor said, adding that group tours may be scheduled by calling (540) 320-3362 or (276) 692-7760.
“Spend part of your fall with us in Meadows of Dan in the pumpkin patch, in the maze—just get some mountain air,” she said.
