Children participate in a corn-husking contest at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm.
Children chow down on ears of corn during a contest at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm's annual Sweet Corn
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What could be better than a roasted ear of freshly picked Lancaster County corn?
How about a roasted ear of freshly picked Lancaster County corn dipped in batter and deep fried?
"They're really good, really good,'' says Kristen Dressler, director of fun at the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, which is hosting its annual sweet corn festival this weekend.
Everyone who pays to enter the farm on Saturday gets a free ear of sweet corn — which is roasted in its husk to maintain its natural succulence. The fried corn is available too, but you'll have to pay for it (in more ways than one!).
And while we're on the subject, other corny taste treats include corn dogs, kettle corn, corn fritters and mmm...mmm, home-made chicken corn soup.
You really have to plan on eating something to keep up your strength at Cherry Crest, because quite honestly, there's so much to do there.
What began in 1996 as the area's first corn maze, has grown to become a family vacation destination, with its hub, of course, being the five-acre maze whose theme this year is energy —America Grows Green... explore the Power Field.
"There are all different kinds of things inside the maze itself,'' explains Dressler. "There's a cafe in there called the Corn Cafe (for those who are spending way too much time inside...). We also have a windmill and a methane display (see how they turn cow poop into power!)
"There are a lot of diversions to keep you occupied as you go through the maze.''
With about two and a half miles of paths, you might want to count on being occupied for at least an hour. (And don't worry. If you're hopelessly lost or claustrophobic, Maze Masters are on guard at all times to help.)
But Cherry Crest Adventure Farm includes more than just a maze.
Visitors can take a wagon ride, race on the pedal karts, feed and pet llamas, pigs and other animals in the Farm Animal Center, watch baby chicks hatching, sling pumpkins toward a target, slide down a giant hay chute, navigate an obstacle show, watch a singing chicken show, try out their skills in straw mazes and...well, you get the idea.
"We have activities for all ages,'' says Dressler. "Whether you have big kids, little kids or no kids. It's a very natural place. It gives people a chance to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.''
In addition to the regular activities, the farm holds several festivals throughout its season, including this weekend's corn festival, whose rain date is Sept. 6.
The festivals are especially popular, according to Dressler, because they add even more family activities to the mix.
The corn stalk creation contest has to top the popularity list. "Families (or groups) work together to build anything they want to out of corn,'' Dressler says.
In the past, entries have included everything from a working swing to a chapel. Winners generally take home free passes to come back to the farm.
The festival also hosts corn-eating contests for children and adults. Just how fast can you down an ear?
Little kids from 3 to 5 can vie for the corn husking championship and those 6 and up compete in a corn shelling contest. And everybody gets a prize.
There will also be special corn-related games and crafts for kids of all ages, according to Dressler.
From around noon to 2 p.m. the WITF Book Tour is visiting with Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Steven Courtney will perform a high-energy show for the kids.
"All the normal stuff is going on,'' says Dressler, who adds that the normal activities alone can take up to four hours to complete. "But we have a ton of other games and give out a lot of prizes during the Sweet Corn Festival.''
"Everyone's usually leaving a little bit tired, but with a big smile on their face.''
You could say they'll be grinning ear to ear.
THAT'S THE TICKET
Annual Sweet Corn Festival
Sat. 10 a.m.-dusk
Included with reg. admission
$13.95 adults, $11.95 ages 3-11
free for ages 2 and under
Amazing Maize Maze
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks,
687-6843
www.cherrycrestadventurefarm.co m.
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