Minnesota corn maze gives back to police, firefighters

HASTINGS, Minn. (KMSP) - Every year, the corn maze at Afton Apple Orchard has a different theme. This year, the owners decided to honor some unsung heroes. The orchard has everything from raspberries to pumpkins, but when it comes to remembering first responders, they're all ears.

"I think its great. I was surprised we did it," Mike Femling said.

Femling's family comes up with a different design every year for its 15 acres corn maze, like his parents 25th anniversary and American Idol. But this year's theme is thank your local heroes, complete with a fire truck, ambulance and squad car cut into the corn field.

"We want to give back to them. They are out there for us and its just a great way to give back," Femling said.

In addition to donating $3 from every admission to a handful of nearby police, fire and sheriff's departments, there are 2 dozen trivia stations on the 5 miles of trails where visitors can learn more about the civil servants in their community.

"They think that with so much going on right now, police officers may or may not be bad but we support them and they are there for us," Femling's sister, Sarah Parkos said.

It's no surprise, the family run business would plant the seed of a good idea. But it's the good will they hope to harvest that means the most.

The maze is only open on Friday nights and weekends until the end of October. Every weekend a different police or fire department will be there to meet the community.