One of the most satisfying feelings one could have is when you find a hidden gem.
It doesn’t matter if it’s in the form of movies, music, or a local restaurant that only a few people mentioned, the thrill of discovering a new experience for yourself is something everyone should experience.
While the fall season in Garrett County is mostly known for the nationally recognized Autumn Glory Festival, it also houses a hidden gem of an attraction that will be entering its 22nd season of operation.
Located near Accident (Md.) and visible from the overlook between there and Keyser’s Ridge, the Cove Run Farms Corn Maze has delighted guests for over two decades.
The 160-acre farm is owned by Bob and Alice Bender in the Cove area of Accident. Currently, it includes 140 registered Holstein cows and 155 heifers and calves. The corn maze has been in operation at the farm, with a different theme each fall, since 2001. The 10-acre maze includes questions located throughout to help visitors navigate their way through.
This year’s maze is based on Calvary Christian Academy Garrett Campus, CCAGC, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to the school.
The idea for the first maze, with the theme “Got Milk?” came from Bob Bender, who realized it would be a good opportunity for added income for the farm.
“He thought that people coming to the farm would enjoy learning about a farmer’s way of life and hopefully understand a bit better how food gets on their table,” his wife Alice Bender said.
She noted that the theme usually falls into place during the course of the year as the family sees organizations that are making a difference in society.
The maze is cut out by the Bender family with the help of the local Extension Office.
This corn maze has featured many different themes over the years. The full list of these themes are listed below
• 2001 — “Got Milk”
• 2002 — “Farmers are the Heart of America”
• 2003 — “God Bless America”
• 2004 — “Garrett County”
• 2005 — “Garrett County”
• 2006 — “Civil War”
• 2007 — “Lost in Space”
• 2008 — “MOOving with 4-H”
• 2009 — “Sending Love Around the World”
• 2010 — “Cancer Awareness”
• 2011 — “Guatemala”
• 2012 — “Autism”
• 2013 — “Warm the Children”
• 2014 — “Prayer for a Cure”
• 2015 — “Just Imagine Miracles”
• 2016 — “Inspire by Example”
• 2017 — “The Dove Center”
• 2018 — “Toys for Happiness”
• 2019 — “Foster Appalachia”
• 2020 — “Divine Hope Cares”
• 2021 — “4-H All-Stars”
• 2022 — “CCAGC”
Though the farm can be a busy place, it also presents an opportunity to relax and enjoy the world-class scenery thanks to the Appalachian region’s brilliant fall foliage. There are several places at the farm or around the area that will allow people to admire consistently stunning views.
The Cove Run Farms dairy operation was started by Bender’s father, the late Oren Bender, when he bought the farm in 1962.
“He raised his family and hundreds of cows in his time on the farm,” Alice Bender said. “Bob followed in his father’s footsteps with a love for the land and the dairy herd.”
The Benders have been farming together since they got married in 1979. They are the parents of five children, Derrick, Shawn, Nicole, Alecia and Logan. They also have two daughters-in-law, Cynthia and Sarah, and another, Kali, will join the family in February. They have two sons-in-law, Brad and Jimmy. They also have three grandsons, Jairus, Braedynn and Brentley, and eight granddaughters, Annika, Eden, Brielle, Bristol, Lydia, Brietta, Braelynn and Bridgette.
The farm is located at 596 Griffith Road, Accident. Normal hours are 4-9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 2-6 p.m. Sundays. Other times and dates are available by appointment.
The cost of admission is $8 for age 11 and up, $4 for age 3-10 and free for age 2 and under. With the admission paid, guests will have access to unlimited trips through the maze; a petting zoo which will feature calves, lambs, goat kids, chickens and pigs; the tractor and trike track; and a rubber duck race.
Pavilions are available to rent for birthday parties, churches, youth groups, scout groups, 4-H groups or any other groups that would like to have a gathering there.
Hayrides will not be available at this time, but the situation will be evaluated and that may change. The pumpkin patch was affected by wet weather, so pumpkins will be limited this year. There will be some in the patch and others will be available for sale. Baked goods will also be available for sale.
For more information, visit www.coverunfarmscornmaze.com. For questions or to make reservations for large groups, call 301-616-4221.
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