Summers Farm, an active farm in Frederick, Maryland, that hosts a fall festival attraction, honored U.S. armed forces this year with a military-themed corn maze and a fundraiser for a military charity.
The 12-acre, nine-foot-tall corn maze attraction showed images of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines, with the caption “America’s Superheroes.”
“We are grateful for all who serve and have served our country,” Teresa Greenwood, who currently runs the family-owned farm with her husband, told American Military News.
“Hundreds of ‘thank you’ letters have already been collected for Operation Gratitude thus far, and we are encouraging everyone to join us in this community effort to thank and show appreciation to new recruits, veterans, first responders, wounded warriors, care givers and U.S. service members deployed in hostile regions,” Greenwood added.
(Twitter)
The farm hosted Heroes Weekend from September 23 to 24, during which all active duty and veteran service members received free admission while family members received a 50-percent discount.
Heroes Weekend was sponsored in partnership with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit that sends more than 100,000 care packages to soldiers every year. A letter-writing station at Summers Farm allowed visitors to write personal letters to military service members for Operation Gratitude to distribute.
In addition, American flags were available for purchase and all of the proceeds were donated to the charity.
(Twitter)
“For the past 21 years, old-fashioned activities like pumpkin picking and wagon rides have enticed families near and far to come back time and time again, creating lifelong memories. We embrace the American farming tradition here at Summers Farm,” said Greenwood, according to a press release.
“This year we chose to honor the men and women who have committed to protect our country and our way of life,” Greenwood added.
The farm’s festival has more than 45 attractions, including pumpkin patches, campfires, life music, fireworks, pig races and more.
Veterans and active duty soldiers and their family members will receive a 20-percent discount on admission to the farm until the season ends on Oct. 31.
