Looking for a fun, outdoor activity with your family for fall, a creative team building activity for the office staff, or even just a quick escape with friends? “Uncle Shuck” is expecting thousands this fall to enjoy a hay ride by the Etowah River, followed by a hike and a marshmallow cookout by a large bonfire - all for less than a movie and a box of popcorn.

The fourth season at Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, a 20-acre agri-tainment complex in Dawsonville, Ga., will open Saturday, September 3, for the Labor Day weekend, and will operate for 12 weeks until November 20. In 2005 the venue will add a bonfire area near the picnic pavilion for patrons to roast marshmallows, as well as special weekend tractor-drawn hay rides, petting zoo and pony rides.

Mike Pinzl, also known as “Uncle Shuck”, is the owner and operator of the corn maze. To have the maze ready for Labor Day weekend, the corn was planted on July 14. Pinzl will have maze designer Shawn Stolworthy, of MazePlay, Inc., based in Idaho, cut the trails using a GPS system under cover of darkness in mid-August, bringing the field to life. The design of the giant, 12-acre labyrinth of walking trails changes each year, and in 2005 it will be cut in the outline of safari animals, including a giraffe and lion.

“Agri-tainment is a growing form of tourism; it helps promote rural lifestyles and helps the local economy. The corn maze provides good family fun. We pride ourselves in providing a variety of activities for children of all ages and maintaining a safe, clean environment. It provides one of the few times in life it really is fun to get lost,” said Pinzl, who has seen the crowds grow 176% in just three years.

There will be two separate trails within the maze, offering over four miles of pathways among the 12-foot living walls of cornstalks. Guests are challenged to find checkpoints in the maze, which help them navigate from start to finish in 30 minutes to 1½ hours. Over 30,000 people make the pilgrimage to the giant cornfield maze, the pumpkin patch and the other special events area each fall in Dawsonville. Pinzl will continue to offer weekend pony rides, a sunflower garden, children’s hay-bale play area and covered picnic pavilion.

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch will be open on weekends only, and holidays, in September and November. In the month of October, Uncle Shuck’s will be open seven days a week, when the pumpkin patch springs to life. One section of paths will become the Haunted Maze for three weekends in October. Fresh food and refreshments will be served on weekends throughout the fall season.

Located on Georgia Highway 53 just two miles west of GA 400 in Dawson County, Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is the most convenient maze to metro Atlanta, and is supported by The Times. Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Hay rides are $4, and include a visit to the bonfire area. A combination ticket for all three activities is $10. Group rates are available for youth groups and company team building outings. For more information call 1-888-OSHUCKS or check out www.uncleshucks.com.