By Don Lowe
Whether temperatures are getting cool or not, there’s still a crisp feeling in the air with lots of area residents and visitors getting more and more excited about the Exeter Corn Maze.
This annual event provides a great deal of exciting entertainment from early September through the first week of November.
At www.exetercornmaze.com, this is described as a fun, family experience. It goes on to mention this eight-acre, kid-friendly corn maze offers fun for all ages and confidently asserts there’s not another corn maze with all the excitement this one has to offer.
While this is always a big deal, Robyn Cole with the Exeter Corn Maze says, “This will be the biggest season ever. It is going from a farm to a fall amusement park.
“This is probably our biggest news (evolving to an amusement park), as well as how much we have expanded and added additional activities. If all goes as planned, we will have everything up and running, including a free-fall tower, 300-foot tube slide, carousel, two new concessions, apple orchard and a new ride-through, Frights N Lights.”
The Coles are ecstatic they have put together a one-of-a-kind place that brings so much joy to so many. “We have created a unique fall fun spot where you can experience everything in one place.
“Lots of hard work and planning has kept us moving forward and always thinking of the next big thing. We love that we get to offer such a fun place for the community and surrounding areas.”
Although Robyn Cole prefers not to mention any names specifically, when it comes to those who have played vital roles in this effort, she says, “We have friends who have been with us since the day we opened, and they have become family. Without their help, we could not do it all.”
The way Robyn Cole sees it, the concept that has remained in place has made it appealing and continues to be the draw year after year to keep it all “fall- and Halloween-themed. We believe that is why people keep coming back. It’s a unique and fun place.”
There’s reason to be ecstatic at how this undertaking has developed and succeeded, and Robyn says, “What we are most proud of is starting with something small and watching it grow from all our hard work and determination.
“We took a big risk starting it and trying to grow it like we’ve done. Knowing that it worked out and turned into even more than we ever could have imagined is what makes it so wonderful.”
Exeter Corn Maze Fast Facts
What: The Exeter (Missouri) Corn Maze
When: Saturday, September 3-Sunday, November 6
Where: State Highway MM, Exeter, Missouri 65647 (Note: Continue following Highway MM south until it comes to an end, then turn left at the stop signs. There are signs along the road to help you on your way.)
Hours: Fridays 2:30-10:30 pm; Saturdays 10:30 am-10:30 pm; Sundays 10:30 am-8:30 pm; Wednesdays 5-8:30 pm.
Cost: General admission is $18.95 for adults and $16.95 for children 12U ($2 off on Fridays). General admission with haunted activities is $26.95 for adults, $24.95 for children 12U ($2 off on Fridays). Note: The only additional cost is for go-karts, $5.95 for adults and $4.95 for children. Also Note: Gem mining and face painting prices may vary.