It’s that time of year again, when children and adults alike will get into the true spirit of autumn and navigate their way through Single R Ranch’s maze made entirely of corn.
This is the third year that the Futch family will have operated the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze and its corresponding festival. It is the only corn maze in the county.
Their motto proposes a challenge to all visitors: “Can you out-fox our squirrely maze?”
Wayne Futch grows, maintains and cuts the corn, and is responsible for other farm-related tasks. His wife, Denise Futch, also makes important contributions to keep the festival running. Wayne’s sister, Janet Futch, manages the technical aspects of the operation, which she is able to do remotely from her home in Atlanta.
A rare species of squirrel is the maze’s namesake. Sherman’s fox squirrel is listed as a species of special concern in Florida, because its habitat has been largely destroyed.
“They’ve just started being on the ranch, but we don’t have that many. Maybe six to 10,” Janet said. “They come peeking out — they’re foragers. They’re really cute, so I came up with the idea.”
The maze is complex and covers about five acres. Even at times of high attendance, crowds are manageable because there are so many different things to do at the festival.
The Squirrely’s General Store sells folk art, gifts, furniture, T-shirts and more. Denise Futch manages the store. There also will be a variety of other vendors selling a wide variety of treats and items, from kettle corn, to jewelry, to pumpkins.
“We’ll have bunches of pumpkins to choose from,” Janet Futch said. “They’re really pretty.”
If shopping isn’t high on your list, don’t worry — family entertainment options abound at the festival. Children will be thrilled to observe and even feed butterflies at the enclosed Butterfly Experience. The balloon artist will appeal to those with a whimsical spirit. And for those who like games, there will be plenty of ways to play: horseshoes, corn hole, badminton and volleyball.
The maze is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays in October, but groups can make reservations for Friday events. Groups of 20 or more people are eligible for admission discounts.
“What we generally get are schools, and we’ve had Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts,” Janet said.
Today’s youngest Futches are the fifth generation to work the on ranch, which began in 1920 as a 2,000-acre cattle operation. In the corn maze off-season, the family stays busy with the ranch. They still have cattle, and they lease 60 acres to Driscoll’s for strawberry growing.
For fall pie recipes, ranch history and more information about the festival, go to foxsquirrelcornmaze.com.
IF YOU GO
Fox Squirrel Corn Maze
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3 to Oct. 26. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Guests may stay until 7 p.m. Groups may make reservations for Friday events.
WHERE: Single R Ranch, 1002 Charlie Taylor Road N., Plant City
ADMISSION: $10 for ages 18 and up; $9 for ages 3 to 17; free for ages 2 and under
CONTACT: futchentertainment@comcast.net
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.