Mantua– Derthick’s Corn Maze and Farm Experience will feature American-great John Glenn his decades of space flight as the theme of their 17-acre corn maze this year. Located in Northern Portage County and in its sixth year of operation, the maze and farm experience are open weekends September 21 through October 28.
The Derthick family approached their 2012 maze season with many thoughts of maze art tossed about. They decided upon a bit of Ohio flare, honoring John Glenn as the first American to orbit the earth 50 years ago. With over six miles of winding paths, visitors will walk along three space-themed scenes: John Glenn smiling as he looks over the world and its continents, Friendship 7 that carried him around the globe three times in less than five hours on February 20, 1962, and space shuttle Discovery passing the moon. Checkpoints along the maze route help visitors navigate from start to finish.
“All of the great, fall family fun returns to our over-200 year-old working farm,” says farm owner, Philip Derthick.” Families can enjoy being out in the fresh air and spending time together with lots of activities.” Visitors can go for a wagon ride with great country views on their way to visit the five-acre pumpkin patch, overflowing with several different varieties. There’s the unique bucking-cow train for kids, the Farm Experience barn where everyone can learn a bit about farming and pet the animals. Young visitors rave about the tire playground, corn sandboxes, and pony rides. All ages enjoy the round-bale maze, corn hole, and – for those looking for a lesser challenge – a soybean maze and a smaller corn maze.
New this year, sure to be a hit, Corn Cannons! Come on out and shoot tennis balls at your least favorite presidential candidate. Don’t forget the nighttime maze; flashlights are required for maze-goers after dark. Other surprises await you at the Derthick farm this year.
Farm Scene Investigation “whodunit” clue game returns this year. Visitors will be glad to see that those stations are “back on the map,” making them easier to find. Maze instructor, MaryEllen Hamlin explains, “Many visitors mentioned that the game was too difficult for our smaller mazers, they became “cornfused,” were unable to find all of the unmapped stations, and could not solve the mystery of missing Farmer Joe. We feel it’s important to listen to the feedback from our guests and make things most enjoyable for all who visit, including our littlest guests.”
Running from September 21 through October 28, Derthick’s Corn Maze and Farm Experience is open Fridays 5-11pm, Saturdays 1-11pm and Sundays 1-5pm (weather permitting). The last tickets are sold at 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 5pm on Sundays. Admission for those 4 years and older is $8 for the Corn Maze, $8 for the Farm Experience, or $14 for a combo ticket. Children 3 and under are admitted free. Tickets for children to ride on the bucking-cow train are $2 each. Extra charge for corn cannons. For those interested in just going to the pumpkin patch, a $2 wagon ride is available (free for age 11 and under); cost for pumpkins is extra. In addition to wonderful family fun, there will be full concession stands with plenty to eat and drink.
Derthick’s Corn Maze and Farm Experience is located on St. Rt. 82 in Mantua, just East of St. Rt. 44. Watch for signs. For more information about the maze, farm experience, or the pumpkin patch, as well as to keep up with all the latest happenings or weather closures, be sure to visit www.derthickscornmaze.com or check them out on Facebook.
