A Big Impact in a Short Season

A Big Impact in a Short Season by Marion Hixon
FUNWORLD magazine,
The International Association of Parks & Attractions Nov. /Dec. 2009

In its offseason, Carolyn’s Country Cousins (CCC) in Liberty, Missouri ia a working farm. But from mid-September through Nov. 1, the attraction makes the most of its time and invites guests to get involved through art shows, pig races, dog shows, and make your own scarecrow activities. For the first time this year, they ended with spirit and celebrated Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Nov. 1.
“Being a seasonal attraction, we’re known for our autumn activities, and many local families come for the pumpkin patch of the Liberty Corn Maze,” says Gieselle Fest, site director for the attraction. “But we’ve taken it step farther in the past couple of years and really reached out to event groups for field trips.” Here are a few lessons Fest learned from hosting school and special interest groups.

1. Coordinate with curriculums. “We consider ourselves an educational farm, so oftentimes, we find out what school and complement that with farm and animal knowledge.
2. Let the Animals do the Talking. Animals have proven therapeutic for special needs children, so CCC often reaches out to these groups at local schools.
3. Be Flexible. “You never know what’s going to happen with young kids, so have several activities
Planned, but be prepared to rearrange your schedule quickly.”
www.carolynscountrycousins.com

NKC Resource Fair

Carolyn and I had the great opportunity to meet teachers with the North Kansas City School District at the annual resource fair. It's always a great time to talk one on one. We were able to show a fossil from the new coming activity for the fall season.

Search & Rescue Unit Certification Exercise

H.A.R.R.T. – (rescue and recovery organization) held its SAR ( Search and Recovery) School SAR Field Unit Member Certification Exercise at the Liberty Corn Maze, Saturday. This was the practical field exercise challenge to use their recent skills earned and certifies them to respond to a SAR Incident Mission.

Students were from various Community Emergency Response Teams, Disaster Animal Rescue Teams, Medical Reserve Corp, Fire Departments, Local Government, Law Enforcement, and Federal Government Employees.

HARRT is a specially trained local search, rescue, and recovery unit that are often essential to reducing loss of life and human suffering, in that as such; assistance may be paramount in the earliest stages of the incident and in the aftermath of disasters.

This volunteer organization responds where and when needed, through the Platte County and Clay County Sheriff’s Department, and as requested by State, Federal, National agencies in need of search, rescue, and recovery.

This group has participated in recently in locating a missing child and an Alzheimer patient.

The heat index was over 105 degrees. The trails had not been cleaned. The decision / locator posts in but not marked. The group was asked why they wanted to continue with the practice. Their response was that emergency doesn’t know weather, location or time of day. When they are needed they go.


More information:www.harrt.net

Dakota Pumpkin Muffins

Grandma Ann sent a new recipe:

Dakota Pumpkin Muffins
1 ½ c. whole wheat flour
½ c. ground flaxseed
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ t. salt
1 c. chopped nuts
½ c. semi –sweet chocolate chips
2 eggs
2 c pumpkin
½ c. plain yogurt
¾ c honey
1 t. molasses

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix dry ingredients.
Beat eggs & mix w/ other items.
Pour in greased muffin tins.
Bake 20-25 minutes

Makes approx. 15 muffins.
Dakota

Walley

Well ... we had a surprise. It has left us a bit confused. OR maybe poor Walley is confused.

Walley went from a home to living with the girls, in the chicken house. Well .. here is the surprise ... Walley layed an egg. SO ... Walley is actually "Wallette"?

Bees

Crock-Pot Pumpkin Bread

Carolyn and Gieselle have been asked by the Missouri Dept. of Ag. to cook at the State Fair, August 13. No oven and limited cook top. We want the recipe to be related to the Patch. Been working on this and SUCCESS! Crockpot Pumpkin Bread.

The Bees are "dancing". They travel from one flower to the next, moving pollen ... hopefully making baby pumpkins.

Dia de los Muertos ... Celebrate the Family Generations!

Dia de los Muertos

November 1, 200910 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This year, Carolyn's Country Cousins is extending our season to include November 1, and joining our friends and the Hispanic community in the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

This celebration dates back more than 3,000 years to the indigenous people of Mexico, who viewed death not as the end of life, but as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake.

Dia de los Muertos is truly a day of celebration. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died with much dancing, food, and laughter. Dancers are common in the celebration, as well as alters adorned with small items of memory indicating a celebration of the continuation of a loved family member’s life.

Family celebration is very much who we are and what we do. This will be a great time to learn, share and celebrate family and friends. We are proud to have this opportunity to partner with Reyes Media ( La Gran D 1340 AM Radio, Ke Buena 1480 AM Radio, and Dos Mundos Newspaper).

Hy Vee Soybean Maze

This is Grandpa Gene working in the Hy Vee Soybean Maze. I get confused! But he cleans out the weeds in the Hy Vee Maze and all the corners in the BIG corn maze. He takes pride in making the property look fantastic for all who visit. He really does a nice job.

Job Fair Aug. 21 & 22

Job Fair for Carolyn’s Country Cousins and Liberty Corn Maze
17607 NE 52nd Street
Liberty, Missouri

Friday, August 21, 2009 4:00 pm to 7 pm
Saturday, August 22, 2009 8:00 am to Noon
Applications are available from the website
and may be filled out before arrival.


We will be hiring approximately 60 persons.
Seasonal Positions are range from café duties, bakers, customer service,
cashiers, retail sales, and tour guides, to name a few.

We are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking persons with a
smile and sense of humor. Must be able to adapt in a fast pace environment.

Great job for Mothers with School Children and Retirees, and Students!
We believe in flexible hours.


Pumpkin Patch season is from September 19 to November1.
Corn Maze season is weekends from Sept. 4 to October 31.


Pluses:
Clay County Food Handlers Certificate or
Kansas City Missouri Food Handlers Certificate


Requirements:
Must be over 16 years of age.
Must commit to a minimum of 8 hours per week.

Starting Salary: $ 7.50

Benefits:
Family Employee Pass to Carolyn’s Country Cousins
Family Employee Pass to Liberty Corn Maze
Store Discounts
Food Discounts

Other Information:
http://www.carolynscountrycousins.com/
816.781.9196

Pumpkins are blooming!

Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair

Charlie took several animals to the Carroll County 4H-FFA Fair, yesterday. Did quite well! Elvis and Priscilla (geese) Blue, Bantam Rooster - blue, Bantam Pullet - Reserve Grand Champion, The Girls (red hens) - Blue, Rabbits - blue, and Big Lop (rabbit) - Grand Champion Buck.

Powell Gardens

Powell Garden is having a Sweet Corn Fest! It will be totally awesome .... they are serving Carolyn's Sweet Corn.

As promised

CAROLYN’S FAMOUS
SWEET ONION CASSEROLE

Heat Oven to 350. Sauté 4 lg. sweet onions (finely sliced) in ¼ c. butter about 20 minutes. Mix ¼ c. melted butter & 6 oz. crushed Ritz crackers, together. Reserve ¼ crumb mixture, set aside. Layer remaining crumbs on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Spread onions. Top w/ 8 oz shredded cheese. Combine 3 lg eggs, 1 c. milk, pepper to taste, paprika to taste & pour over. Top w/ crumb mix. Bake until brown about 30 min.

2009 Recipient of Recycling Grant

We are the recipient of a recycling grant from Mid America Regional Council, Solid waste Management District and Missouri Department of Natural Resources. We are pleased. This will help us with a nagging problem that we didn't have a good answer for. Plastic Pop Bottles. Over 9,000 Plastic Pop Bottles, in our short season!

We have a plan and will have blue recycling units for collection. The cool part ... the units are made from about 350 recycled milk jugs. MAX-r claims that per every recycled plastic bottle, it saves enough energy to power a 60 watt light bulb for 3 hrs.

New Event - November 1, 2009 10 am - 7 pm

Dia de los Muertos
November 1, 200910 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This year, Carolyn's Country Cousins is extending our season to include November 1, and joining our friends and the Hispanic community in the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

This celebration dates back more than 3,000 years to the indigeneous people of Mexico, who viewed death not as the end of life, but as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake.

Dia de los Muertos is truly a day of celebration.The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died with much dancing, food, and laughter. Dancers will skull masks are common in the celebration, as well as alters adorned with small, edible sugar skulls. The skulls are named for deceased loved ones, and eaten in celebration of the continuation of their life.

We are excited that this event is partnered with Reyes Media. Reyes Media includes Dos Mundos, LaGran D, and Ke Buena.

Recent Article

Carolyn pointed out an interesting article today.

It said that today's children are spending dramatically less time in unstructured outdoor play than past generations. When children get to interact with nature they enjoy formative experiences that challenge their minds, bodies and spririts and help all three grow. It further went on to say that the many benefits of outdoor play and nature activities include: improved thinking skills and creativity; better motor skills and physical fitness; and less psychological stress.

When kids "unplug" and go outside it's a different level of interation and experience than they get anywhere else.

Very interesting article!

SWEET CORN !

Liberty (Mo.) Farmer's Market - Wed.: Crowley Furnature Parking Lot and Saturday: SE corner Liberty Historic Square. "Ugly Temptation" ... It's a yellow and white sweet corn. Called "ugly" because the ears did not pollinate to the end. Look for Carolyn's Truck !!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally corn season.

Parking Lot

Parking Lot recycled. To create a firm base the grass is allowed to grow. It is then rolled, moved, and transformed to become the big hay maze.

There are always jobs on the farm - does not matter your age! This is Charlie, the youngest of the Raasch Family. If you look real close you can see Carolyn on the blue tractor in the far field tilling the large pumpkins.

The Train is Fixed!

Grandpa Eddie is thrilled to have the train repaired. There will be a great many children that will be so happy as well!!!!! Thanks to Paul for his talents.

Check out our Pages!

Check out our pages on Facebook and become a fan!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liberty-MO/Carolyns-Country-Cousins-Pumpkin-Patch/104753810931


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liberty-MO/Liberty-Corn-Maze/85026212612

We are excited! Maze Play and family have arrived. Shawn went straight to work cutting the maze. Next week the bridges go in.

The Girls

"The Girls" go crazy when ever Grandpa Eddie mows near their house. Let a bug get blown in ...

and OH MY! The race is on the run. They are keeping us well blessed in brown eggs.

The Pumpkin seeds are in the ground.

This year the ride to the field will be longer.

Pumpkins have to be planted and rotated every 3-4 yr.

This year they are in the south west corner. In the past, this field has produced

beautiful giant pumpkins. Now we need heat and sun for the seeds to grow.

Elvis and Priscilla

It's a big day for Elvis and Priscilla (African Grey Geese goslings). They moved from the animal barn to the "big bird" Fowl House, today. They are getting adult feathers. Grandpa Gene has them so spoiled. It you put your hand out, they cuddle your fingers.

Grain Bins

Up, Up, Up, they go! Remarkable to watch this crew of workmen. The bins are created from the ground up. One can not appreciate the size from a distance. This new bin holds over 72,000 bushels of food grade dent corn ... corn that will be coming to a store and a table near you.

Paint, Paint, Paint ... Build it ... Build it ...

New rides and events are being created everyday.

What could these be?

Women Who Mean Business

Carolyn has been nominated for the tenth-annual "Women Who Mean Business" program. This for women who have made valuable contributions to their profession and to the Kansas City community. The program is presented by the Kansas City Business Journal and sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, M&I Bank, anf Johnson County Community College.

In it's tenth year, "Women Who Mean Business" honors outstanding professional women in for -profit businesses who have made significant contributions to their business or industry, as well as their community.

It is quite an honor to be nominated.

We are all excited for Carolyn!

Last thursday we had the opportunity to attend a luncheon given by Clay County Economic Development Council. The event marked awards and nominations from the Northland Education Business Alliance. We were honored with a nomination for our colorbook and the translations.

We are quite honored.

A Night at the Royals

Kansas City Attractions Association had a great promotions night at the Kansas City Royals.

Tues. May 19, 2009

Newest Pumpkin Recipe

2009 Pumpkin Style Soup

1 sm. Red onion (chopped)
1 sm. White onion (chopped)
½ c. Celery (chopped)
½ t. Garlic (Minced)
1 Green Bell Pepper (seeded and chopped)
3 c. Pumpkin (cut in about dice size)
3 c. Hy Vee Corn (frozen)
1 can Hy Vee Cream Style Corn ( 14 oz)
1 16 oz. Tomatoes (crushed and puree)
1 ½ c. firm Roma Tomatoes ( fresh and chopped)
4 c. Hy Vee Chicken Stock
1 lbs. Chicken Breast (cooked and chopped) *
¼ t. Restaurant Style Ground Pepper
3 c. of cooked of Wild Rice
Salt to taste


Spray a large soup pot with Pam.
Add onions, celery, garlic, green pepper, and pumpkin cook and stir until pumpkin is tender. Add frozen corn, creamed corn, tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, and chicken stock. Heat to boiling. Reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes. Add Chicken, salt and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.


* original recipe called for 1 pound poached white fish

Email from a visiting teacher!

Thank you again for a fantastic field trip! The kids can't stop talking about it and the teachers have decided this will be a field trip we do every year. The mining was exciting and very engaging, and the simple machines are a great idea, I look forward to seeing the program once you have played with it a little more too. Both are required objectives for second grade students!! We really appreciate the great program you have set up for students and look forward to seeing you again next year! Thank you again!

Wow! wasn't that a nice note! We do have awesome people who are dedicated to children. We are so very fortunate.

May 6, 2009

A man of many talents!

Does this guy look familiar? When he's not being the engineer on Little Bud's Train,

Grandpa Eddie helps out anywhere he's needed. Today ... running the big mower. A fresh mowed lawn is like a fresh coat of paint.

The newest members of the farm family

Anyone have a name idea?

Chocolate!

Awesome Chocolate!

He makes a Pumpkin Fudge, also.

-But not until September :(

Soil Table

Do you know how one comment can stay with you?

A visiting teacher has left me with one.

I keep returning to the thought.

She has children who have not touched dirt.

She brings in dirt to her classroom.

It will take her a week before some of the kids will build the courage to touch,

let alone put their hands down in the pile.

What we live with everyday is a once in a lifetime experience for some of these children.

Now, Grandpa Gene built us a soil table for tours.

I have learned a new lesson.

I look at dirt differently, now.

April 28

We had a great school tour! The kids were so interested. They asked detailed questions and were truely excited. Sandy, Ron, Grandpa Eddie and Grandpa Gene all worked so hard to make sure everyone learned something new and had a great time.

The New Earth Science Area

We have over 700 kids scheduled before May 8 for Rock and Mineral School Tours. We are working on the Little Farmer's Museum Exhibit: Simple Machines. ( this came from teacher requests)

AND in the yet to be named ... Fossil Fnd / Dig the building is up and concrete proured. And oh yes to add to the Earth Science experience ... the earthworm coccoons arrived. Later today, Grandpa Gene and I will attempt to hatch worms.

Maybe Entertainment

We are always looking for new family based entertainment.

We had an opportunity to meet these people. These were very fun people.

We would be interested in what anyone thinks.

www.carolynscountrycousins.com

Simple Machines

Grandpa Gene has been repairing and collecting a variety of old machines. Today he fixed the corn sheller and the grinder, that works with foot levers. We found an old lard press, - he fixed that as well. He's great! He is such a good sport when it comes to any project.

We couldn't do it without him.

website:

www.carolynscountrycousins.com

Do you know what this machine is?

Lawnmover!

Can you imagine?

Do you know what this is?

Looking back it is funny what was a great machine!

This crazy looking machine washed clothes.

We are redesigning Little Farmer's Museum to add Simple Machines - at the request of visiting teachers. Grandpa Gene is using his many years with the boy scouts to build a hands on pulley station. Pull the ropes and watch the buckets rise.

April 15

I am so excited! This is another addition for children to experience a variety of earth science activities.

Spring on the Farm!

Things are happening all over the farm, Constructing, painting, planning, changing and earth being moved! We can't wait to share.

Reserve for Spring Educational Tours

Educational School Trips
in our Outdoor Classrooms
Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch (Kansas City’s premiere agricultural outdoor entertainment facility since 1991). Unique and adaptable to each educators need - just ask.
-Located just south of Liberty, Mo. 1 ½ mile east and south of Hwy 291 & 210. www.carolynscountrycousins.com or call (816)781-9196
Wed. - Thurs. - Fri
April 22 to May 16, 2009

UNCLE EARL’S MINING CAMP
ACTIVE * HANDS ON * FUN Educational Presentation
Enriched Mining Rough Bag w/ Gemstones Students take home real gemstones
Take home Stone ID Card Historical Representation of Sluice Prospecting
Science objectives: Rocks, Minerals & Soil
Rock Displays **** Rock Cycles **** Identifying Rocks **** Soil Samples over 200 rock Specimens Soil Specimens Mineral Specimens
Simple Machines! – New Spring 2009
(Developed by teacher request, - Since 2006)
Lunch Facilities available Playground available after tour
$ 5.00 per each child $5.00 per each accompanying adult $5.00 per parent and child
OR
REAL WORKING FARM
Educational Presentation Animal Petting Barn Spring Life on the Farm
Teacher Resource CD Lt. Farmers Self Guided Museum Lunch Facilities available
Pumpkin Seeds Peat Seed Pots Playground available after tour
Award Winning Color Book Honey Stick Tractor/wagon ride (weather permitting) Plants Soybean and Corn Seeds … and more!
$5.00 per each child * $5.00 per accompanying adult * $5.00 per Parents and siblings
Make Reservations at: www.CarolynsCountryCousins.com.
Located at 17607 N.E. 52nd Street Liberty, Mo 64068 816-781-9196
Read about our rewards and the latest news at www.carolynscountrycousins.blogspot.com

2009 NAFDMA International Award for Excellent School Tour Programs
2009 NAFDMA International Excellent for Promotional Innovation for the
Teacher CD featuring the HyVee Colorbook in seven languages

Education Tours

We are SO excited about our upcoming education tours - we are happy to adapt to your needs. They are Wed., Thurs., and Fri. April 22 to May 16. They have to be reserved.

Our best ideas come from our guests!

New this Spring .... SIMPLE MACHINES
LARGER ROCK and MINERAL COLLECTION it's growing! Some ladies get candy and flowers ... I get rocks and minerals, I'm getting like a little kid! It is so much fun when the kids get to touch and feel the rocks.
Educators have been requesting soil, Again family and friends are bringing home specimens. We have been up to the the Soil Conservation Office and sought their advise. The soil pyramid is facinating.



We have had wonderful help from Beagle Science Store in Parkville. (It is a fabulous
place to vist!) I have met several awesome geologists.Help from all directions, Everyone has been great.

Everything you come in contact with either must be farmed or mined ... think about it. All our tours come back to the land.

Another set of specimens -- SALT !!! These are exciting, Salt is a mineral with alot character. It is a great visual for kids to see a mineral from all over the world, crystal shapes, formations, color, textures, weight.... "That they THINK they know
I was introduced recently to the "magic"salt in cooking. It does taiste different!



Did you know that there is even BLACK Salt?! EXPENSIVE !!! but worth the search .....



Always being family valued and family orieneted ... that's us. We still have more surprises coming!

Everyone askes --- What do you do all winter? Buddy likes to joke that we watch TV and eat Bon Bons. HOWEVER, We have been very busy with several great ideas for the 2009 seasons.

Uncle Earl's Mining Camp will include a new element at the request of our educators -
"Simple Machines." - That was announced at the Science Pioneer's Conference, January 31
at UMKC.

Feb. 4 we recieved two awards at the NAFDMA Conference in Savannah.
Excellence In School Programs : Honorable Mention (Second Place)
Uncle Earl's Mining Camp
New Life on the Farm (Spring)
Pumpkin and Field (Fall)
Excellence in Promotional Invotation: Honorable Mention (Second Place)
Our Teacher's CD. This is the CD that we give the educators who visit the farm has
worksheets and the colorbook. It also contains the seven translations: Spanish,
Russian, German,Chinese, Japanese, French,
and Italian.

January 16, 2009

Agri Missouri Conference

Four Seasons Lodge

Lake Ozark, Missouri

Gieselle Fest, Director Hagler, Carolyn Raasch, Buddy Raasch

Speakers at Agritourism Conference

Area Agritourism Specialists Speak

Missouri Department of Agriculture / Agri Missouri sponsored its first Agritourism Conference at the Four Seasons Lodge, Lake Ozark, Missouri January 16 and 17 with over 150 Agritourism owners and operators gathering from across the state. Area Agritourism specialists who were invited to speak including: Steve and Cindy Frey, Weston Red Barn, Weston, MO.; Carolyn and Buddy Raasch, Gieselle Fest, Carolyn’s Country Cousins, Liberty, MO.; Cliff and Debbie Van Till Farms, Rayville, MO.; and Leroy Shatto, Shatto Milk Company, Osborn, MO. Topics ranged from school tours, to marketing , to providing the culinary experience.

The conference focused on helping Missouri Agritourism destinations, food manufactures, farmers, and producers, by helping them market, give opportunities and promote all products grown, raised or processed in Missouri. AgriMissouri's program helps to assist
destinations through marketing, advertising, promotions and informative seminars.

For more information on the Agri Missouri program contact: Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov or Sarah.Gehring@mda.mo.gov.
AgriMissouri’s™ objective is to promote products grown, raised or processed in Missouri. AgriMissouri’s™ objective is to promote products

Pathfinder Award

Contact Information:
Gieselle Fest, Site Director
Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch
816-809-3344
For immediate release
January 8, 2009

Local Pumpkin Patch Receives State Award

Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch, Liberty, Missouri has been awarded the 2008
Missouri Travel Council’s Pathfinder Award, at the 40th Annual Missouri Governor’s Conference. The Pathfinder Award is given to an organization or company that has succeeded in creating niche market (ethnic, cultural, tour and travel) for tourism. This award recognizes a Missouri company that has taken great strides to find new paths to drive tourism to Missouri.

Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch organization has and continues to demonstrate a commitment to the tourism industry beyond their personal gain by offering advice and assistance to industry members. They have significantly and measurably contributed to the tourism industry in their market have been involved local, regional and the State of Missouri. They are trailblazers.

They started by first going to Farmers Markets, taking the agricultural experience to the public. People expressed a desire to see real farm life, because many of today’s young families are three to four generations removed from the actual farm experience.

The Pumpkin Patch was started in 1991. Teachers requested school tours with animals and pumpkins. The Raaschs provided them. Several years later, the teachers began to request assistance with curriculum material for the class room.
From a class at Baker University and the help of Missouri’s Ag in the Classroom, an educational color book was created. It has been printed by generosity the Hy Vee Grocery Stores with the help of Pepsi-Americas. Each visiting child returns with a book that many use as a teaching aid. Teachers again expressed their teaching difficulties with multi lingual students and not having materials in their languages. Now the color book is available with the help from six translators.
In 2004, Technology came to the farm as well, with the corn maze utilizing Global Positioning Satellite for designing and cutting the maze. In 2006, the third to fifth grade earth science teachers needed a field trip with an educational and entertaining theme for rocks and minerals, with Uncle Earl’s Mining Camp. In 2008, the farm has hosted several thousands of children and family and looks forward to an exciting 2009 with a family oriented offering.
Carolyn’s Country Cousins is open the third weekend of September until October 31 each year. Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch is located at 17607 NE 52nd St., just south of Liberty, Mo., two miles southeast of 291 & 210 highways. www.carolynscountrycousins.com.

For more information on the awards, please contact:
Mary Oberreither (573) 751-1908 mary.oberreither@ded.mo.gov