Janesville, WI – There’s nothing more “Wisconsin” than the Green Bay Packers and farming. Wisconsin family farms, just like football, are the heart of Wisconsin’s culture, identity and economy. This fall, the two will be combined to celebrate the upcoming 2025 Draft in Green Bay with special Draft-themed corn mazes.
“We are so proud to feature the 2025 Draft on four huge corn mazes around the state,” said Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association. “Families, groups of friends, and individuals are invited to enjoy these mazes throughout Fall this year.”
Green Bay is the host city for the 2025 Draft next April, and the Local Organizing Committee helping to spearhead the event aims to shine a special spotlight on one of Wisconsin’s largest industries: agriculture.
“We’re excited to collaborate with these Wisconsin family farms to help build the excitement for the 2025 Draft in Green Bay,” said Aaron Popkey, Packers director of public affairs and member of the Local Organizing Committee. “These unique mazes will celebrate our strong agricultural identity and honor the hard work and dedication of farmers around the state while also reminding fans of the special opportunity we have to showcase Wisconsin when the Draft comes to Green Bay.”
Each maze features a one-of-a-kind design that will keep families entertained as they navigate their way to the end. Additionally, the farms will feature other activities and programming throughout the season.
Petals and Plows Green House, in Ripon, Wis. will be the first of four Draft-themed mazes to open. The 18-acre corn maze will feature “DRAFT 2025 GREEN BAY.” The farm also offers plants and trees for sale, as well as pumpkins, squash, straw bales, mums and more! A playground for young children, featuring Gravity Bin Basketball, adds even more fun to be had on their farm! The maze opens Sept. 7, with their Fall Bash and Customer Appreciation Corn Roast to be held Sept. 14.
Polly’s Pumpkin Patch in Chilton, Wis. will open their maze Sept. 13. Polly’s Pumpkin Patch is a continuation of the Juckem Family Farm, which opened in 1889 and has been operating as a family farm for more than 130 years. The 17-acre maze features “DRAFT Pick is Polly’s.” Other on-farm features include a field of bright sunflowers, a pumpkin patch, delicious foods, a tractor slide and more..
“We’re proud to celebrate our home team in this year’s corn maze,” said Gary Juckem, who co-owns Polly’s Pumpkin Patch with his wife, Polly.
Feltz’s Dairy Store is a family-friendly destination, located in Portage County Wis., just outside Stevens Point. The 12-acre corn maze will feature “DRAFT 2025 GREEN BAY.” The Feltz maze will celebrate opening day on Sept. 21. Feltz’s Dairy Store also offers a kid’s fun zone with a bounce mat, combine slide, a pumpkin patch and more.
Porter’s Patch, near Bonduel, Wis. will open their maze on Sept. 27. “Now in its seventh generation as a family farm, Porter’s Patch grows a variety of berries, 55 different types of pumpkins, and memories,” Troy Porter said. This year’s maze design will include 32 scarecrow football players as part of a challenge to visitors walking the 3D puzzle.
Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association is excited for the opportunity to combine football and fun to drive more families to explore Wisconsin farms. Agricultural tourism provides opportunities for families to have authentic experiences filled with learning, food and fun on the farm. With only 1.2% of the population working directly in growing row crops, specialty crops or raising livestock, most Americans are removed from the people and activities that grow their food, fiber and lumber.
“Most people are two, three or even four generations removed from life on the farm,” Everhart said. “There’s a growing hunger to get back in contact with the soil, to see farms, and to shake the hand that feeds them. Wisconsin farms are perfect places to participate in something different, fun and educational.”
The 2025 Draft, set for April 24-26, 2025, is projected to bring together fans from all over the nation, as well as several foreign countries, to celebrate football and the selection of college players. It’s expected to attract approximately 250,000 attendees over the course of the three-day event and have an economic impact of $94 million in Wisconsin, including approximately $20 million in the Green Bay area. The festivities will include several days of free activities throughout Green Bay, including the Draft Experience – a massive free football festival – for fans of all ages. While details of the 2025 NFL Draft are still being finalized, the main portion of the event is expected to take place on the Lambeau Field and Titletown campus, with a variety of venues to be utilized within close proximity.
The Draft, which has moved to cities all over the country in recent years, has become one of the biggest and most anticipated sporting events of the year. Fans interested in learning more about the 2025 Draft in Green Bay should visit https://www.greenbay.com/draft25.
ABOUT WISCONSIN AGRICULTURAL TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Established in 1993, WATA provides its members with marketing, education, networking and public policy service on the local and state level. WATA advocates for agricultural tourism, which is a growing economic engine for farmers and rural communities.
Members of WATA are farms of all sizes and with a wide range of activities offered throughout the seasons, from petting zoos featuring farm babies in the spring, to fruit picking and flowers all summer, to corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and Halloween rides in the late fall, to Christmas trees and sleigh rides in the winter.
Visit wiagtourism.com for additional information and to find agricultural tourism destinations.
Comments