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VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 43
7124 WINDSOR LAKE PARKWAY, SUITE 5 • LOVES PARK, IL 61111
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019
Pumpkin picking and more Autumn activities on the farm By Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT
Fall is in the air and it’s time to enjoy the harvest. September and October on the Chain O’Lakes means fall festivals with activities for young and old alike. With activities such as apple and pumpkin picking, a variety of amusement rides and those corn mazes, a visit to one of the fall festivals is the perfect way to enjoy family time. Here are some of the area’s offerings: Richardson Adventure Farm 909 English Prairie Road Spring Grove The Richardson Adventure Farm is known for the World’s Largest Corn Maze. “The corn maze begins with a computer generated design, long before planting begins,” said George Richardson, who, along with his brother Robert, is the second generation to run the farm. This year’s design is in honor of the 50 year anniversary of the Apollo Flight and its landing on the moon. The corn maze is the favorite activity of families at the farm. With 9 to 10 miles of trails spread over 28 acres, a great deal of time may be spent in the corn maze alone. Many families will do part of the maze, then take a break and come back after sampling some of the other activities. A variety of exciting adventures await visitors at the farm. The 700foot zip line whisks people down in record time, or take a ride down the hill in the 11-foot ORBiting ball. Visitors can also climb the 50-foot observation tower for a breathtaking view of the grounds. The younger children will enjoy the smaller-sized rides and the pig races. After the race the children gather around giggling to pet the pigs and offer them a treat. Each year the Richardson’s grows thousands of pumpkins, squash and gourds in all sizes and colors. Some are pre-picked, but feel free to wander into the pumpkin patch and pick your own. On weekends the wagon will take you out to the pumpkin patch and back. Ever notice that it is the smallest child who will pick the largest pumpkin? Pumpkins, squash and gourds are all priced at 45 cents a pound. With all the activity, one is sure to get hungry. Stop in the pavilion and pick up one of your favorite picnic foods, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork etc. But save room for some dessert. Try the homemade fudge or the
SUBMITTED PHOTOS McHenry County News
This year the corn maze at Richardson Adventure Farm’s Fall Festival honors the 50th anniversary of the Apollo space flights and their landing on the moon. This corn maze was created by computer months before. The corn stalks are planted in much higher density than when planting for the corn. This group of youngsters is having a good time on the giant jumping pillow. Note the corn maze in the background.
cinnamon cider donuts for a real taste treat. For a complete description of activities, hours and price of tickets, visit www.richardsonadventurefarm.com. The Adventure Farm is open until Nov. 3. Stade’s Farm Fall Festival 3709 Miller Road McHenry Fall is a special time at Stade’s Farm and Market. In addition to enjoying the fine quality freshly grown fruits and vegetables for which they are known, there are special activities to enjoy. The Shades of Autumn Fall Festival offers agricultural-centered activities for the whole family. “For over 20 years we have provided a great family time filled with wholesome activities,” said Vern Stade, owner of Stade’s Farm and Market. “Picking their own fruits and vegetables is always enjoyable and educational for families. Spend a day picking apples or a visit to the pumpkin patch to pick out your pumpkin.” Apple picking began Labor Day weekend and pumpkins can be picked from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. A tractor-pulled wagon will deliver you to the pumpkin patch and pick you up. Each pumpkin is $7 regard-less of size. The farm includes more than 30 different activities with a general ad-
mission ticket. “The pumpkin cannon where employees shoot pumpkins out of a long can-on, draws visitors to watch the pumpkins fly high into the air,” said Keri Rohde, a seven-year employee at Stade’s. “We also offer a corn maze that is enjoyed by many.” The petting zoo with its goat bridge encourages children to interact with
farm animals. Traditional festival rides including a 1926 antique carousel will bring smiles to children’s and some adult faces. A climbing web, tractor tire swings and a zip-line, one for parents and one for children, are among the many activities for the day. Vendors are available on site with food items. Each Sunday morning during
Shades of Autumn, an open-air worship service, with contemporary music and visiting speakers or clergy, is begins the day. For more information on all the activities, hours, and admission prices, visit www.stadesfarmandmarket.com or find the farm on Facebook. The Shades of Autumn festival runs until Oct. 27. No pets allowed.
Climb the tower before entering the corn maze to get a good view of the route to travel while in the maze.
The corn maze is a favorite of both children and adults as they find their way through the tall cornstalks. There are easy exits for SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ PHOTO McHenry County News those who wish to do a portion of the maze at a time or one can at- Farmtractions is the amusement area of Stade’s Shades of Autumn fall festival. Enjoy over 30 attractempt covering the whole maze in one trip. tions included with the admission fee, enough activities to keep the entire family busy having fun.