The 11th annual Beaches to Woodlands (BTW) Tour kicks off featuring an 8.5 acre corn maze cut to resemble local two-time Masters Tournament champion Bubba Watson and 40 events scheduled all throughout the county this October. According to Karen Harrell, Beaches to Woodlands coordinator, more events are sure to come before the start of the tour. Harrell said, “We encourage local to become tourists in their own county. We also want folks to invite out-of-towners during this great time of year when rates at area accommodations are much lower and the weather is just so nice.”
Sweet Season Farms in Berrydale, owned by Trent and Sharon Mathews, decided to honor Watson with the maze cut in his image. According to Harrell, the design was created from a photograph of Watson that features his distinctive left-handed swing and signature visor. Sharon Mathews said, “My husband, Trent, and I come up with the design each year and we have a company in Utah called The Maize Co. help us turn it into a maze. They also come to our farm and assist in cutting out the design after the corn has begun to grow. It is all done manually with about 3-4 people in one day.” Mathews said there are two mazes, a smaller one for children taking about 15 minutes to complete and the larger adult maze needing roughly 30 to 45 minutes to exit. She added, “Bring your own flashlight and brave the maze and farm at night.”
Jay celebrates its 25th annual Peanut Festival with as many as 250 vendors including crafters, businesses, and churches on the working farm October 4 and 5. Brenda and Gene Gabbert own the farm with two museums, a farming museum and a replica of a 1940s style John Deere dealership. With pony rides, inflatable attractions, and a plethora of peanut products, Brenda Gabbert said the festival is like an old-fashioned county fair without the carnival rides. She said it’s all about farming and rural life. Around 70,000 are expected to attend.
In Bagdad, one of the BTW painting events is the Bagdad Village Paint Out. Local artists will set up their easels in sidewalks and other scenic spots outside on October 26 at 8:30 a.m. Artists have three and a half hours to paint before judging at the Dragonfly Gallery. Event organizer, Kelly Miller, said the event is a blast spending a day outdoors with other artists.
Down in Navarre, fishing is first on the menu of things to do. During the BTW Tour this year, the annual Navarre Pier Free Kid’s Fishing Clinic introduces children to one of the Gulf Coast’s revered sports. According to Harrell, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on October 11, the first 200 participants, ages 5 to 12 will receive a free rod and reel combo.
The Navarre Beach Marine Science Station will also be there with a touch tank and stations to rotate through before the participants receive their free gear.
The bird is the word at the Gulf Breeze Zoo this year. The zoo will feature its avian residents. Human guests may explore the walk-in aviary and native bird observation area. The peacocks roaming the grounds may offer a colorful welcome, too.
Check out http://thebeachestowoodlandstour.com for more information on the numerous events sure to be a financial boon to the county this
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Entire county welcomes visitors for 11th annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour