A new fall tradition
Eye of the Tiger maze at Shryocks Callaway Farms

by Bob McEowen

In recent years a new tradition has been added to the usual fall line-up of pumpkin carving, apple bobbing and hay rides. As Kristen and Laura Stinson of Kingdom City, right, have found, corn mazes have earned their place among autumn's favorites.

Thanks to computers and high-tech, satellite-based global positioning systems it is now possible to accurately cut elaborate mazes into crop fields. And farmers have quickly learned that tourism often yields a better return per acre than corn.

One of the more interesting mazes in the state this year is at Shryocks Callaway Farms, east of Columbia. Located along the north side of Interstate 70, the farm is between the Millersburg and Hatton exits.

The Shryocks bought the rights to use the University of Missouri Tiger sports logo in their maze design. Although many farmers use professional services for corn mazes, the Shryocks designed their own maze in which visitors try to make their way to the eye of the tiger.

The 7-acre maze features more than three miles of passages. In addition to the maze, the farm offers a tack shop and a large seed test plot.

The Eye of the Tiger maze at Shryocks Callaway Farms is open from 2 p.m through dusk, Thursday through Sunday, until the end of October. Admission is $6 per person. Kids ages 3-10 are $5. The little tykes are free. The maze is also available for groups by appointment.

For more information visit Shryocks Callaway Farms on the Web at www.callawayfarms.com or call (573) 592-0191.