Less than a week before the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, a corn maze in northern Illinois opened with a tribute to first responders.
Jonamac Orchard in Malta creates a corn maze every fall with a different design, usually in tribute to someone. This year's intricate design recognizes police officers and firefighters and offers them thanks.
Kevin McArtor, owner and manager of the orchard, and other employees at the orchard first came up with the idea to honor first responders last winter.
The idea was further cemented when a deadly tornado ripped through nearby Fairdale, leaving two people dead. First responders helped rescue several others in the ravaged town and bring them to safety, and McArtor felt a tribute to them in this year's corn maze was particularly well deserved.
The corn maze opened on Sept. 5 and will remain open until Nov. 1. In the first few days, several people expressed their thanks to McArtor and company for dedicating the maze to first responders, including a police officer.
The orchard will host special weekend events for police officers and firefighters, offering discounts to them and their families.
The corn maze is open 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for children and adults and free for children under 2 years old.
