Get Lost In Fun At Goshert Corn Maze
MENTONE — A seven-acre corn maze that opens this weekend near Mentone features none other than “Mabel the Pig.”
In its second year, the Corn Maze at Goshert Farms invites visitors to solve the pork-themed labyrinth by answering trivia questions along their journey. Correct answers will lead maze-goers to Hog Heaven, while wrong answers will take them to the Butcher Shop.
Tapping his roots as a hog farmer, maze owner Kerry Goshert immediately thought of pork as the theme for this year’s corn maze.
“Raising Pork had been a big part of my farming enterprise and ‘Mabel the Pig’ was a natural part of this year’s maze,” Kerry said. “And we also have a turkey in the maze.”
This year’s maze is twice the size of last year’s debut attraction, with more corn, more trivia and more fun.
“This adventure continues to add to our family’s proud heritage,” Kerry said, “and it is our pleasure to share it with the public.”
Farming runs deep in Kerry’s family. He is the sixth generation to operate the grain farm, located southwest of Mentone.
Though no longer a hog farmer, Kerry has remained active with the Kosciusko County Pork Producers and was a 10-year 4-H member, showing pigs every year at the fair. His crowning achievement was exhibiting the real life “Mabel” and winning a trophy for the champion Hampshire gilt.
For the past decade, Kerry and his wife, Kim, have hosted hundreds of visitors each summer for tours of their candle making business, known as K&K Soy Products. The Gosherts have enjoyed the interaction with guests, so the corn maze became a natural extension of their desire to educate the public about agriculture.
The Corn Maze at Goshert Farms is located three miles south and two miles west of Mentone. It is the first and only corn maze located in Kosciusko County.
Creating the maze was a two-person job again this year, according to Kerry. He and friend Lucas Vargo cut the corn by hand, dodging rain drops at times, but they were up to the challenge.
New this year is a straw mountain, where kids can climb and run over bales of straw. There’s also a farm animal petting zoo, a corn pit, as well as pumpkins, gourds, mums and more.
Keeping with tradition, visitors can learn about the benefits of soy candles and other soy products by watching a candle making demonstration.
This year, the corn maze is open more days and longer hours to accommodate, schools, pre-schools, home-school groups, youth groups and other groups that would like to visit the farm. Opening night was Sept. 25 and the maze will remain open through Nov. 7. Hours are: 3 p.m. to dark on Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to dark Thursdays through Saturdays; and Tuesdays by appointment only. The maze is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
For large groups, advance notice is required so the Gosherts can be prepared.
Admission is $6 per person, with children 3 and under getting in free.
Special promotions have been scheduled throughout the fall. On Oct. 3, all emergency responders (police, fire, EMT, etc.) can enter the corn maze at no charge. Oct. 17 has been designated as 4-H and FFA night. Those wearing 4-H club T-shirts or FFA jackets can enter the maze for half price on that day.
Goshert Farms will be hosting Flashlight Corn Maze Night every Wednesday night starting from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 30-Nov. 4. Must bring flashlight and be accompanied by an adult chaperone. The cost is $6 per person.
One other promotion occurs on Nov. 7, the final night of the season. Bring a non-perishable canned food item, which will be donated to Mentone Helping Hands, and get in for half price. Also, a donation jar will be available to collect money for Mentone Helping Hands.
For more information on the Corn Maze at the Goshert Farms, call (574) 328-0769.