Fall Festivals in Full Swing
by GRACE HIRDES
Are you looking for a way to celebrate the change of seasons? Central Florida’s agritourism operations kick into high gear in the fall. Not only are fall festivals fun but they are also a great way to explore the natural side of our state while supporting Florida’s small farmers. Add to that the educational aspect as farmers teach visitors through tours, and you’ve got an all-around win.
If you’re looking for a fall festival in Central Florida, here are some options:
- Fox Squirrel Corn Maze
The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze located at 6151 Varn Road in Plant City takes place from October 8-23 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission for adults 18 and older is $11 plus tax, youth ages 3-17 must pay $10 plus tax, and kids 2 and younger are admitted for free. The admission price includes unlimited maze experiences, hayrides, games, and more. Pumpkins will also be available for purchase and vendors will have activities, food, and crafts for sale. foxsquirrelcornmaze.com - Harvest Holler Corn Maze
Harvest Holler Corn Maze located at 950 Tavares Road in Polk City takes place through November 13. Hours are Friday: 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturday: 12 p.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday: 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Admission for adults ages 13-64 is $15, kids ages 2-12 is $12, kids younger than 2 get in free, and seniors 65 and older $12. Military/law enforcement officers/fire pay $12.
Admission price includes the experience of a working family farm with animals, activities, and —of course — a corn maze! Maw-Maw’s Country store offers cobbler and country eats that will remind you of the county fair. harvestholler.com - Scars Farm Fall Festival
Scars Farm located at 777 Alturas Road N. in Bartow will be open Oct 22 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $15 at the gate. Admission includes the opportunity to interact with and feed farm animals such as horses, cows, donkeys, pigs, and chickens. There will also be a pumpkin patch, photo opportunities with a pumpkin carriage, food trucks, and a costume contest with prizes. For more information, call (863) 537-6590 or email contact@scarsfarm.com - Lums Farmers Market Fall Festival
Lums Farmers Market Fall Festival located at 4898 James Redman Parkway in Plant City will be open October 22-23 and October 29-30 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Admission includes games, animals, vendors, and much more. - Lakeland Nursery Fall Festival
The Lakeland Nursery Fall Festival located at 3010 Knights Station Road in Lakeland will be open October 29-30 from 4- 8:30 p.m. Admission includes horses, hayrides, face painting, pumpkin painting, trunk or treating, and much more. - Corky’s Corn Maze
Corky’s Corn Maze located at 1603 Hawk Griffin Road in Plant City will be open from mid-October until the end of November from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids, while kids 3 and younger get in free. Admission includes parking, access to the corn maze, unlimited hayrides, kids zone, family-friendly activities, and the opportunity to see exotic animals.
As you head out to these Florida fall festivals to support your local farmers, be sure to remember these tips:
- Bring cash. Even if credit cards are accepted for admission, vendors inside the festivals often do not accept them. However, a few farms make ATMs available.
- Dress appropriately. You’ll be doing physical activity in rough and bumpy terrain, so close-toed shoes are a good idea.
- Bring bug repellant just in case. And keep an eye out for ants, bees, and wasps.
- Weather can dampen the fun. And some farms even suspend activities on rainy days so check farm websites and Facebook pages for updates. Each farm has its own rain date and refund policy.
Be respectful. Don’t litter or go off the maze paths.