CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/160635
The strawberry fields How does your lawn look? • Turf Fertilization/Weed Control • Tree & Shrub Insect Control • Tree & Shrub Disease Control • Turf Insect/Disease Control • Fire Ant Control • Core Aeration Call for a FREE Estimate 910.426.2266 or visit us online at www.spring-green.com/shopper Mention this ad and receive 10% off! LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED By Steve Hopper 30 | September/October • 2013 Visiting Gross Farms 1606 Pickett Road Sanford, NC 27332 (919) 498-6727 RATES & HOURS OF OPERATION: These can be found at the Gross Farms Web site, www. grossfarms.com. Be sure to check out their advice under "If You're Coming". They take group reservations, too. HOW TO DRESS: Dress appropriately for the outdoors. Wear comfortable clothing, particularly shoes, and be mindful of the weather. ACTIVITIES: Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides, Playground LOCATION: Directions can be found on-line, but the farm is located 4 miles south of Sanford, NC on NC87. There are signs to point the way, with a large one opposite the entrance. the usefulness of a harvest. Machinery can quit, break down or get stuck, taking up valuable resources and time. Family farmers in particular have to be creative in supplementing their income. For some, the solution is outside employment. For others, it is finding a way to diversify that brings in the public. That is where the Gross Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch come in. In their own words, "Gross Farms has provided a unique way to show the public one of the many positive aspects of farm life and offer a healthy source of fun and entertainment for the entire family." The annual Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch have been a part of Gross Farms for nearly 12 years, bringing in families, school kids, church groups and more. In 2012, over 10,000 people visited the farm and walked the 15acre maze, purchased pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, took the hayride around the farm and let the little ones play on the playground with its giant wooden train and more activities. Last year's maze walk was nearly 5 miles long. It is one of the largest in the area and was done in a design called "Celebrate Life." (See aerial photo). It consisted of three puzzles with stations to check walkers' progress through the maze. In addition, 2012 saw the addition of F.S.I., Farm Scene Investigation, a new "whodunit" crime puzzle. "It was a real hit," said John Gross. It will be returning this year. There will probably not be any new features, because the weather is taking up a lot of time. "We're working hard just to get the corn planted in time," he stated. Fall is when we celebrate the harvest, count up what we reap from what we've sown. Gross Farms makes this a great time for families to have some fun with a return to a real, working farm. Bring a basket for the produce, sturdy shoes for walking and a thinking cap to solve the puzzles. Prepare to see farmers in action and enjoy the nurturing countryside. The Gross family is ready to welcome you all again this year. CV