which have the potential to keep families busy for hours. “This is the biggest our maze has been,” said Artie. “In the past, we just cut paths out of the field ourselves.” Artie planted the eightacre cornfield in June and then spent the summer irrigating the field. Even though this year’s drought conditions have made growing the corn challenging, he said he has been satisfied with the crop. When the cornstalks were around knee-high a maze designer used a computer and GPS system to cut a design into the field. The corn was allowed to continue to grow throughout the remainder of the summer and fall months. The Coles’ corn maze is designed around images of KY3 meteorologists Ron Hearst and Brandon Beck and the slogan “100% chance of fun.” “Weathermen are some of the biggest celebrities in this area,” said Artie. “Especially in the agriculture community, they are people who everyone is familiar with.” In addition to the spooky haunted barn and the tangled labyrinth, the Coles’ fall Halloween extravaganza will offer a five-acre pumpkin patch where families can spend time searching for the perfect carving gourd. Other activities that will be offered at the Exeter Corn Maze and Haunted Barn include: a corn cannon; a real
PHOTO BY CHUCK NICKLE PHOTGRAPHY
pumpkin cannon; a cow train for youngsters; a zip line; a 2,000-square-foot bounce area; hayrides; playground activities; a hay mountain; and a crafts area. There will also be photo opportunities for families who visit. The Coles have designed several comical cutouts for posed snapshots. “Our goal is for a family of four to be able to come out and spend all day having fun,” said Cole.
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Concessions will even be available. The Coles plan to serve hamburgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, pretzels, funnel cakes and other tasty treats. “We will have all three of the big fall activities in one spot,” said Robyn. “Plus, we will have a lot more.” Fire pits will be available on site, but attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear layers in the evenings. The Coles also
discourage youth from wearing flip flops or stainable shoes in the corn maze, which can become dusty. The Exeter Corn Maze and Haunted Barn are now open Friday through Sunday. The fall spooktacular will also be open on Halloween, which is Wednesday, October 31. The maze and barnyard area, which includes games and children’s activities, are open from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 1 to 11 p.m. on Saturday
OCTOBER 2012