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Agricultural fun: Maize Maze Fall Festival offers plenty of family-friendly events
Get lost in the fields during the 2023 Maize Maze Fall Festival.
This year’s event is being held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Rio Grande Community Farm.
According to the Rio Grande Community Farm, the festival teamed up with Larry P. Abraham Agri-Nature Center and Big Jim Farms for the event.
The organizers say there will be plenty of family-friendly events to participate in.
Visitors will get to discover the 8-acre maze, as well as visit the pumpkin patch, which will also have crafts for children.
Agricultural fun: Maize Maze Fall Festival offers plenty of family-friendly events
There will also be hay rides and opportunities to pet the farm animals.
Chile roasting will also take place, as well as a ristra making class, which has an extra cost.
Live entertainment includes Long Ago The Hills, Micah Thunder, Rod Lacy, RC & CC Lee, Clark Andrew Libbey and Kirsten Rad, and Gunsafe on Saturday, Oct. 21.
On Sunday, Oct. 22, Gene Corbin, Hello Darlin’, The Chacalakas, and The Roswells will take the stage.
Organizers say each performer will begin on the hour and then the next one will perform.
All ticket proceeds and 10% of pumpkin sales support the non-profit Rio Grande Community Farm.
The Rio Grande Community Farm operates an urban farm on public land using sustainable agricultural methods with the goal of demonstrating these methods for the farming community.
“We combine Indigenous, traditional and progressive agricultural strategies to improve yield, conserve water, improve soil tilth and fertility, and adapt to climate change,” says Robyn Wagoner, Rio Grande Community Farm executive director. “We collaborate with other farms and agencies to share information with underserved communities.”
The farm also provides year-round education programs and special events that teach the community about sustainable agriculture, organic gardening, climate resilience, food justice, nutrition and wildlife.
Wagoner says the nonprofit trains young farmers and engages them in the process of farming public land for the public good.