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