Fall into cornucopia of Missouri festivals and help support agritourism industry
by Karie Weis, posted Oct. 13, 2009
The signs of fall are coming quickly. The summer weather has been unusually cool, making many think of fall. Soon the leaves will be changing color and Missouri’s pumpkin farms, corn mazes and haunted houses will be in full swing.
What many don’t realize is that some these fun activities are part of Missouri’s agritourism industry. More than one million people visit Missouri agritourism destinations each year, according to Missouri’s Department of Agriculture.
Visiting a working farm or any agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment or active involvement in the activities of the farm operation is what agritourism is all about.
“So, anytime you visit a winery, a corn maze, or a pick your own berry operation, you are participating in agritourism,” said Lane McConnell, marketing and local foods program manager for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Shryock’s corn maze at Callaway Farms is open to the public from Sept. 11 to Nov. 8. Hours of operation are: Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 2 to 6 p.m. Adults, 12 and older, can get lost in the Mizzou-themed maze for $7.
“Make plans now to come out to the farm and enjoy our life-size corn maze, group hayrides, roaring campfires, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and the infamous gumball coaster,” according to Shryock’s Web site.
On Oct. 10, the river town of Hartsburg hosted its annual Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival. The event features 150 craft vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides, food and a variety of pumpkin activities for the whole family. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 7th annual Missouri Chestnut Roast is also set to take place Saturday, Oct. 17, at the University of Missouri Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin, Mo. Roasted chestnuts, cooking demonstrations, tours, live music and children activities will start at 10 a.m. and go until 4 p.m.
Absorb the colors of autumn while hiking the scenic trails of the Gans Creek Wild Area on Saturday Oct. 24 from 12:30 to 4:40 p.m. See bluff-top views, gravel bars of the creek and small caves while on the fall color hike of Rock Bridge State Park. The park naturalist will share information about why leaves change colors and the wildlife that make their homes among the forest. Call 573-449-7400 to make required reservations.
For fun activities inside the city limits, at the corner of College and Roger, Necropolis, Columbia’s number one haunted attraction according to locals, can be found. Open every weekend during Oct. and every night between Oct. 26 through 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. MU students can get a night of screams for $11.
“Necropolis is one of the best haunted houses around here. The people actually come out and touch you, which is one thing the other haunted houses don’t have,” said Adrianna Gonzalez, MU freshman and Columbia resident for nine years.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, is the last family fun fest series event at Flat Branch Park. From 6 to 8 p.m. the public is invited to come enjoy Percussion Phun. Listen to the sounds of marching drum lines, and watch performances by cultural drummers.
Central Missouri offers a wide variety of adventures and there is something for all ages.
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