Annual Corn Maze Returns To Mercer County

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Ten-foot-tall corn comes together to form the image of a shepherd and flock of sheep, and you’re caught in the middle, trying to find your way out. Welcome to Howell Farm's 21st annual Corn Maze. The maze offers wild and wooly challenges for those prepared to match wits with its MazeMaster.

Maze-goers who find the puzzle pieces can solve its three-way game board and will be eligible for prizes, boasting rights and top billing on the maze’s big scoreboard. Those seeking the ultimate challenge can try solving the maze in the dark, when moon, stars and lamplight are needed to find the way out. Team-building challenges for schools, community groups and businesses are available on weekdays, by reservation.

General admission is $10 for anyone ages 10 and older, $8 for children ages 5-9 and free for children 4 and under. In September, enter the maze any time between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and on Thursday, Sept. 21.

In October, entry hours are 5 pm. to 8 p.m. on Fridays; noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The maze is also open on Columbus Day from noon to 4 p.m. On all dates, the maze closes one hour after the latest entry time.

The maze includes a courtyard with music, games, photo-ops, pedal tractors for kids, hayrides, food, a farm stand with pumpkins, and the farm's traditional hay bale maze. In connection with the maze theme, shepherd and working dog trainer Gene Sheninger will demonstrate the art and science and herding sheep. Sheninger will use border collies during special presentations during the weekends of Oct. 7 and 8, and Oct. 14 and 15.

The maze is the annual fundraiser of the all-volunteer Friends of Howell Farm, a registered non-profit organization. Proceeds from the maze are used to support the farm's historic preservation projects and its educational programs for schools.

Howell Farm is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. The corn maze is located on Valley Road one mile west of the farm. GPS address: 17 Valley Road, Hopewell Township, N.J. 08530.

The farm's Visitor Center and historic site are located at 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township. Visiting hours at the farm are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call the farm office at 609-737-3299 or visit www.howellfarm.org or www.mercercountyparks.org.

The attached image was provided: Howell Farm opens its corn maze for the 2017 season with one of the most challenging courses yet.