Dolly Parton Mazes Raise Funds for Literacy
Dolly Parton Mazes Raise Funds for Literacy
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Key Points
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Northern Illinois venues extend their seasons into early November: Abbey Farms’ Pumpkin Daze runs Sept. 19-Nov. 1, Bengtson’s Fall Fest continues through Nov. 8, and All Seasons Orchard remains open through Nov. 1.
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Several northern Illinois farms offer attractions beyond the usual pumpkin patch and maze, including Abbey Farms’ zip lines, jumping pillow, corn cannon and antique tractors, while Bengtson’s features more than a dozen rides, pig races, a haunted barn and a train ride.
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Kansas City-area farms have notably varied programming: one Olathe festival advertises more than 50 attractions, and other venues include live music, pig races, giant yard games, pumpkin bowling, caramel apples, fudge and kettle corn.
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The Dolly Parton mazes are part of an annual Maize Inc. country-music campaign; previous featured artists were Reba McEntire in 2023, Luke Bryan in 2024 and Lainey Wilson in 2025.
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At the Connecticut maze beside Twins BBQ, organizer Danielle Gallop said learning about Parton’s integrity, generosity and humility at a maze convention influenced the tribute; the design features her likeness with the words “Dolly” and “An American Treasure.”
Fall farms across North America are honoring country music legend Dolly Parton with special corn mazes this season, with all proceeds supporting her Imagination Library. WIBW reports that A&H Farm near Manhattan, Kansas joined 19 other farms in the official "Get Lost with Dolly" campaign, which coincides with the 31st anniversary of Parton's literacy initiative. The mazes feature her likeness, trivia and photo opportunities, turning a seasonal attraction into a fundraiser for free books sent to children nationwide.
Ocoee Valley Farms in Tennessee unveiled a nearly nine-acre Parton-themed maze, while organizers say the designs were planned before recent events as part of an annual country-music tribute campaign. Previous years honored Reba McEntire in 2023, Luke Bryan in 2024 and Lainey Wilson in 2025, making Parton this year's featured artist for the Maize Inc. initiative.
Extended Fall Fun Across the Midwest
Northern Illinois farms are stretching their seasons deep into autumn. Thebamabuzz notes that Abbey Farms' Pumpkin Daze runs from September 19 through November 1, while Bengtson's Fall Fest continues through November 8. All Seasons Orchard stays open through November 1. Each venue packs far more than pumpkins into their operations.
Abbey Farms offers zip lines, jumping pillows, corn cannons and antique tractors alongside traditional patch visits. Bengtson's goes bigger with more than a dozen rides, pig races, a haunted barn and a train ride. The variety keeps families returning throughout the season for different experiences.
Kansas City Region Boasts Diverse Fall Attractions
Farms around Kansas City offer wildly different programming to attract visitors. One Olathe festival advertises more than 50 attractions, while other venues feature live music, pig races, giant yard games, pumpkin bowling, caramel apples, fudge and kettle corn. The region's competitive farm scene means each location develops unique draws to stand out.
KMAJ reports that A&H Farm became one of only 20 North American farms selected for the Dolly Parton maze campaign, adding prestige to the Manhattan location's fall season. The selection connects a regional attraction to a nationwide literacy movement supporting children's education.
Dolly's Legacy Extends Beyond Music to Children's Literacy
The Imagination Library, founded by Parton 31 years ago, mails free books monthly to enrolled children in participating communities across North America. Each Dolly-themed maze directs visitors to learn about the program while enjoying fall entertainment. Organizers hope the mazes inspire families to register children for the book service.
At a Connecticut maze beside Twins BBQ, organizer Danielle Gallop said learning about Parton's integrity, generosity and humility at a maze convention influenced the tribute design. The maze features Parton's likeness with the words "Dolly" and "An American Treasure," cementing her cultural impact beyond music into community philanthropy.
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