For many, the Rutledge Corn Maze is a family tradition, dating back to when the Rutledge family first started it. The family has farmed locally since the 1800s and bought their current farm in 1992. The maze is professionally and expertly designed each year with a different theme. This year, the family partnered with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Thurston County, an American Cancer Society (ACS) event.
“We lost my grandfather who started us in the corn growing business to cancer,” shares Robby Rutledge, when asked why they chose this charity. His grandfather also played a big part in helping to start the maze. “We also lost my grandmother recently to cancer as well. We’re doing it because we think it’s a worthy cause.”
On October 14, Haunting for Dollars will take place. It’s the main fundraising event for ACS. Tickets go on sale at 6:00 p.m. that night and the haunt opens at 8:00 p.m. “We bring in several of our more experienced actors to ensure that the show is a great success,” says Robby. Their goal is to raise $25,000 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, so come to the farm, go through the maze and donate to a cause that affects us all.
“We can’t say thank you enough for the opportunity to be working with them this year,” shares Autumn Cummings, event lead for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Thurston County. “And having such a unique way to share the mission with an amazing local family that is determined and passionate about finding a cure for cancer and supporting their community.”
Other activities at the farm include a pumpkin patch, haunted maze, a corn and a cow train, zombie paintball apocalypse, “spookley” story time, and arts and crafts (Saturdays and Sundays), corn hole, ladder ball, a swing set, corn cannons and more to be announced.
Be advised: The haunted maze is frightening. “It can be very scary,” cautions Robby. “However, I find that it depends on each person. We don’t recommend it for anyone under the age of 10.” Haunting for Dollars is also on the scarier side and Robby says he wouldn’t recommend it for children under 10-years-old.
Rutledge Corn Maze will open September 29. For more information, visit the Rutledge Corn Maze website.
