Autumn's crisp, cool weather and vibrant colors are being greeted at River Valley Ranch in Manchester at the sixth annual Maizefest, taking place every weekend in October.

River Valley boasts a six-acre corn maze, in addition to numerous family-friendly activities.

For those visitors with a competitive streak, there's the Pony Express Challenge, allowing maze solvers to get a time stamp upon entering and exiting the maze to see how fast they can navigate it.

The season's fastest times are listed in the ranch's Hilltop Hall.

The corn maze, hay rides and playgrounds are included in the price of admission which is $8 for adults and $6 for children. Other activities are available through the purchase of tickets at $1 each.

Visitors can pick a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, take a ride on an 80-foot zip line, enjoy a kiddie horse ride, hop around in a moon bounce and shoot corn from a cannon.

Food vendors are also on site, selling goodies that include barbecue, French fries, Polish sausage, funnel cake and other treas.

River Valley Ranch Camp Registrar Barbara Sneeringer said that last weekend -- the first of the season -- there were about 425 people at Maizefest.

"This event is good for anyone from about age 5 into adulthood. It's a great family activity," Sneeringer said.

Maizefest will continue through October, noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The Saturday hours include night hours, so visitors are invited to bring a flashlight or purchase one there ($5). The maze and food vendors will be the only activities available after 6 p.m. Saturdays.

Sneeringer noted that while families are the target audience of Maizefest, toddlers or elderly seniors might have trouble with some of the terrain. She added that comfortable clothes and walking shoes should be worn.

River Valley Ranch is located at 4443 Grave Run Road in Manchester. For more information call 443-712-1010 or visit www.rivervalleyranch.com.

Corn-fusing fun

In addition to Maizefest at River Valley, another corn maze and fall festival is held at Quality Evergreens tree farm north of Manchester, off Route 30 at the Pennsylvania line, at 2020 Garrett Road, Manchester.

Activities at this farm include the maze, pumpkin "slinging," pick-your-own pumpkins, a barnyard zoo, hay rides and a snack area.

The fee for activities is $9 for ages 12 and over, $5 for ages 3 to 11 and free for children under age 3. Hours are weekends, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through October.

For details call 410-374-1499 or go to www.qualityevergreens.com.

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