Residents in Auglaize and the surrounding counties are fortunate because they have a ton of things to do in this area — there is at least one event going on every weekend — but there have been many times I have heard (and probably complained myself) that I can't think of anything to do.
Because I am new to this area, I came up with this idea to get to know my surroundings better by exploring the area and, at the same time, finding a treasure for residents to check out themselves that doesn't involve driving too far or breaking the bank.
I picked a fall site for my first column because there is a plethora of things to do in the fall — apple picking, pumpkin carving, you name it — and this place has it all.
On Friday, Oct. 15, I ventured to Menchhofer Pumpkin Farm in Coldwater on the hunt for a corn maze in the area.
The entire operation, located at 5679 Wabash Road, is family run. James Menchhofer sets up the maze by drawing a design on graph paper, and his son, Jeff, will step the map, with James following behind him mowing out the design. This year the map is in the shape of three pigs.
For $5, locals can explore the maze, and children age 4 and younger are admitted free. There is a challenge involved with the maze, which adds even more entertainment, and if you can handle it, you get a prize when you finish exploring. A side note, the maze gets pretty bumpy, so if you are clumsy or have issues walking, I advise going during daylight so you can see where you are walking. You can bring flashlights after dark, but it's a lot easier to see where you are walking in the daylight or at dusk.
Menchhofer Pumpkin Farm, which sits on 60 acres, has been in the Menchhofer family for years.
"James grew up here, his father grew up here," James's wife Cheri said.
Cheri, along with James and Jeff and daughter, Kelly, help run the activities.
Because I went on a Friday, the maze was the only attraction — Saturdays and Sundays are the main event days. Those days, in addition to the maze, visitors have their pick of horse-drawn wagon rides (they also accommodate persons with disabilities, such as those in wheelchairs, on their wagon rides), a you-pick pumpkin and gourd patch and can get to know the farm's animals.
"We have cows, pigs, donkeys, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, a turkey, a rabbit and cats," Cheri Menchhofer said.
Menchhofer Pumpkin Farm also offers a fall market with apples, dried flowers, pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, homemade maple syrup and apple cider. They also have port-a-pots and provide fire rings for hot dog/marshmallow roasts. They provide the fire, tables and forks for roasting for a fee. This year's campfire fee is $25.
"Campfire roasting has to be pre-arranged, so we can get it set up," Cheri Menchhofer said.
James's siblings also help out at the farm — his brother Mike helps with the you-pick pumpkins and drives the tractor for rides, his brother Warren mans the tower over the corn maze, his brother Tim helps pick apples in the orchard, his brother John does the horse-drawn wagon rides on Saturday and Sunday, and his sisters Linda, Dora and Beth help prune and pick the apples and pumpkins. Kelly helps with the market or the maze and Jeff presses the apple cider.
"Our neighbors also help with the cider and the market if we need it," Cheri Menchhofer said. "We've got some good neighbors."
Menchhofer Pumpkin Farm is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday for the maze only, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m. to dusk Sunday. This year, it is open through Oct. 31. For more information, Menchhofer Pumpkin Farm can be reached at 419-942-1502, where they will also take group reservations.
If you have any ideas for future features, e-mail me at smreporter@theeveningleader.com or give me a call at 419-300-1075.
If you go:
What: Menchhofer Pumpkin Farm
Where: 5679 Wabash Road, Coldwater
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to dusk Sunday. Open through Oct. 31.
More info: 419-942-1502
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