Page 7 - BusinessWest September 18, 2023

“We put a lot of thought into this. You want to dive into a topic, you want to make it fun and interesting, but we also like to challenge our visitors and prompt them to think about it a little bit.”
to work beside his father in 2010, and together they have continued and refined the many aspects of the operation, including the corn maze, which represents a dramatic (in every sense of that word) and evolving leap forward in agri-tourism.
The concept was born at a Christmas party, he said, when his father and his friend, Sillin, decided to combine their talents. The rest is history in the making.
As noted earlier, the maze has evolved over the years and in a number of ways, from the addition of elements within the maze designed to make people laugh and learn to the diversification sev- eral years ago into a separate ‘haunted’ cornfield, featuring a num- ber of attractions, such as an ‘executioner’s chamber,’ designed to entertain and frighten those who enter.
The haunted maze and an accompanying Zombie Night Patrol, while both solid additions, were also heavy with overhead, said Wis- seman, adding that they were eventually discontinued, with efforts focused on the corn maze and creating an experience for those who visit it.
That experience includes a large playground featuring a drain- tube slide, a tractor-tire jungle gym, and more, as well as horse- drawn wagons, potato cannons, picking out a Halloween pumpkin, and other activities.
Meanwhile, the farm has created what it calls ‘beer mazes’ in a
The corn maze at Warner Farm has become a fall institution, where visitors can see art and agriculture come together in a powerful way.
Photo courtesy of Mikes Maze
separate cornfield; six brewers — different ones each week — will set up stations in the maze, Wisseman explained. “It’s a brewfest in a cornfield.”
Art and Soul
The corn maze and related activities have become so popular, and such a large part of the business plan, that the farm essentially puts its full focus on that operation in the fall, Wisseman said, add- ing quickly that planning and execution begin months earlier.
It starts with the concept, he said, and much discussion about what the theme will be. Current events often play a role, as do round-number anniversaries, as was the case with the Woodstock theme. While other
options were consid- ered, the overwhelm- ing amount of attention
Maze
Continued on page 36
>>
Wilbraham & Monson Academy
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, October 1, 10 a.m.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY • GRADES 6 - PG COEDUCATIONAL • BOARDING & DAY
Tour our campus and learn more about WMA’s programs and community. Meet faculty,
coaches, parents and students.
www.wma.us/openhouse
CONGRATULATING OUR 2024 LAWYERS OF THE YEAR AND BEST LAWYERS® HONOREES
Lawyers of The Year
(right to left) Carol Cioe Klyman, Steven J. Schwartz, Steven Weiss, Timothy P. Mulhern
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®
Mark Esposito
Best Lawyers®
(right to left) Michele J. Feinstein, Gary S. Fentin, Carol Cioe Klyman, Timothy P. Mulhern, Steven J. Schwartz, James B. Sheils, Steven Weiss
SPRINGFIELD | NORTHAMPTON | ALBANY
ssfpc.com
BusinessWest
<< FEATURE >>
SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 7