For the last 11 years, the Buford Corn Maze has been open only during the fall, but now the owners of the agri-tourism venue in South Hall County are one step closer to running a year-round operation.
The Hall County Planning Commission Monday night unanimously approved an application to amend the conditions of operation for the venue at the intersection of Friendship Road and Ridge Road.
Co-owners Jerome and Tina Beggs told members of the planning board they'd like to be able to use the venue for corporate events and birthday parties and even special events, such as Easter egg hunts, but right now their business license allows them to operate for just 10 weeks - from Labor Day to the second week in November.
Tina Beggs said they extend their hours in October for field trips, but if rainy weather shuts down operations for even a few days, it's difficult to make up for lost time under the stipulations of the current license.
"I do make up field trips during the week, but we're only open those two weeks in November, and if I have a whole week of field trips to make up, you know, you can't do that," Beggs said after the meeting.
Jerome Beggs said while they've operated quite successfully during the fall season, they can see other possibilities for the 31-acre venue - Christmas tree sales, informational exhibits, displays of farm implements and even housing some live farm animals.
"The possibilities [for us] right now are 12 weeks and we'd like endless possibilities," he said.
The Beggs realize they can't act on any plans until the Hall County Commission gives final approval to their application. The vote is now scheduled for the commission's March 26 meeting.
