Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market!
12134 Squirrel Spur Road
Meadows of Dan, Virginia 24120
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The Enterprise Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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"Corn Acoustics!" Corn Maze Chosen as Site for Kids
in Parks – Track Trails
For the
last five years, Sammy and Sue Shelor of Mountain Meadow Farms have
created a musically themed corn maze to celebrate the musical heritage
of the Appalachian Mountains. This year, Mountain Meadow Farms decided
to celebrate another Blue Ridge Mountain icon – the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In honor of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th
Anniversary, the design of this year’s corn maze is the logo for the
Parkway’s 75th
Anniversary. The maze’s
design is not the only thing new for 2010. This year, the Shelor’s have
partnered with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks program
to create an educational scavenger hunt through the maze. The corn maze,
with its attractiveness to kids and families, interactive educational
opportunity and proximity to the Parkway is a perfect fit for the Kids
in Parks program. Kids in Parks is
an initiative of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of North Carolina Foundation and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Working
together with partners on and in communities along the Parkway, the Kids
in Parks program is trying to increase the physical activity of children
and their families, improve their nutritional choices and connect kids
to the Blue Ridge Parkway. As a seasonal TRACK Trail, the corn maze will be outfitted with a self-guided brochure that kids and families can use to learn about corn while in the maze. As visitors roam the maze, they will find informational signs that correspond with questions in the brochure. After they complete the trail, visitors can register their adventure on the web site, www.kidsinparks.com, to earn a small prize designed to make their next nature adventure more meaningful. “We are so excited to be able to partner with Mountain Meadow Farms for this seasonal TRACK Trail. The Shelor’s have created a wonderful family adventure and learning opportunity, not only for the community but also for Parkway visitors” said Carolyn Ward, President of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Sammy and Sue Shelor, with their farm just seconds from the Blue Ridge Parkway, uphold the traditions of the Blue Ridge. The Patrick County, Virginia, couple owns and operates Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market. Sammy, an award-winning bluegrass banjo player, grew up on the farm, and eventually inherited it from his grandfather. Sue, an artist, found herself inspired by the artisans of the Blue Ridge. The "Corn Acoustics!" Corn Maze is just one of the projects, along with their market, market garden, and festivals, incorporates the Shelor’s passions for mountain music, art and agriculture. If you plan to attend upcoming Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Festival events, September 10 -12 at Cumberland Knob Recreation Area and the Blue Ridge Music Center, stop by Meadows of Dan and check out the corn maze. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends from September 4th to October 31st. Admission is $5.00 per person and children 5 and under explore for free. Visit kidsinparks.com or mountainmeadowcrafts.com, BRPFoundation.org or blueridgeparkway75.org for more information.
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The Enterprise Wednesday, August 25, 2010
"Corn Acoustics!” Corn Maze 5th Design Celebrates Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary
On September 4, 2010, Mountain Meadow Farm will open the newest design of their popular “Corn Acoustics!” musically themed corn maze during the 6th Annual Chinquapin Festival. In a slight departure from the usual themes, this year's theme was inspired by the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th anniversary logo.
Sammy and Sue Shelor collaborated with Houck Medford, Founder/CEO, and Michelle Cartier, Director of Communications, of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation for permission to use the logo as the centerpiece of their design. The Patrick County couple's annual corn maze project blends the rich traditions of the Southern Appalachians with a novel experience comparable to a Sunday visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This year's crop pays tribute to the Parkway's 75th Anniversary by recreating the impressive logo of the Anniversary. By blending the agricultural traditions of southwest Virginia and using its most important row crop, the maze is truly a modern interpretation of a significant cultural activity typical of Patrick County.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway appreciates the Shelors' efforts to honor the Parkway,” said Dan Brown, former Superintendent of the Parkway and President of BRP 75, Inc., the group that is planning and carrying out its 75th Anniversary Celebration. “The maze,” he added, “is another fine example of the strong ties that the Parkway and its neighboring communities have enjoyed for the last 75 years.”
“I know it seems like we're getting away from the music theme,” commented Sue Shelor, “but the Blue Ridge Parkway has long been a part of the music scene in Meadows of Dan. My husband, Sammy, grew up here and during his childhood he often played banjo at Mabry Mill and Rocky Knob on the Parkway. He has also performed several times with his band, The Lonesome River Band at the Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213.”
The 6th Annual Chinquapin Festival, highlighted by the opening of the “Corn Acoustics!” Corn Maze for the season, will be held at Mountain Meadow Farm in Meadows of Dan during Labor Day Weekend, rain or shine. The three day festival, Saturday through Monday, features local arts and crafts and live music. The promoter recommends that visitors bring their lawn chairs and limited seating is provided at picnic tables under the big tent.
Corn Maze Days with the corn maze open to visitors, will run through September and October on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting. Special events planned include a Moonlight Couples Night and a haunted corn maze. The maze is located at 84 Concord Road, Meadows of Dan, Virginia. For more information contact Sue Shelor at 276-952-6575 or 276-952-5568 or check out the web site at www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.
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The Floyd Press, Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pictured on the cover's CD are (from left) Mike Hartgrove, Sammy Shelor, Brandon Rickman, Andy Ball and Mike Anglin.
Group's CD, recorded in Floyd studio, reaches no. 1 on BMP Bluegrass charts
Mountain Fever Studios is very proud to announce that The Lonesome River Band's new record No Turning Back has reached number one on the BMP Bluegrass CD charts.
The CD was recorded last year at Mark Hodges' Mountain Fever Studios in Willis, Virginia. Two singles are currently on the TOP 30 HOT SINGLES list. Coming in at number 4 is Them Blues and new to the charts this week starting at number 28 is Like a Train Needs a Track.
"I'm very proud," Hodges said of the group's CD success.
It was about a year ago that the band pulled its bus up behind the studio in Willis and lived in it for two weeks while recording.
Hodges, explaining it take a long time for the CD process to unfold, said that after that time Sammy Shelor, one of the group's members, shopped around for the label. The group ended up going with Rural Rhythm.
Hodges started his studio nine years ago in his home; he relocated to a studio building seven years ago. Several famous bluegrass musicians have chosen the studio for recording through the years.
Members of the Lonesome Band include:
*Mike Hartgrove -
"Grove" is among the most experienced fiddlers in bluegrass music, having spent time with The Bluegrass Cardinals and Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. He was also a founding member of IIIrd Tyme Out, with whom he toured and recorded for 11 years before joining Lonesome River Band in 2002.
Mike has also worked in country music with Moe Bandy and George Jones. He makes his home in Albermarle, NC.
*Sammy Shelor -
Sammy makes his home in Meadows of Dan, Virginia and when his busy schedule allows, works part-time at Mountain Fever Studios in Willis.
*Brandon Rickman -
Now in his second stint with Lonesome River Band, guitarist and lead singer Brandon Rickman hails from the state of Missouri. His distinctive singing and sturdy songwriting graced two previous LRB releases (Window of Time and Head On Into Heartache) before he left to pursue songwriting full time in the fall of 2005. The lure of the road must have been too strong, as Brandon is now back with Lonesome River Band full time.
*Andy Ball -
As the mandolin player and vocalist with The Lonesome River Band, Andy Hall brings much appreciation and passion for classic bluegrass and country music.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Andy is a third generation southern transplant whose roots are in southeastern Kentucky. Andy grew up working with various bluegrass and country bands in the Detroit area, primarily with his family band "The Richard Ball Family." He also grew up working with Pete Goble, one of the premiere songwriters in Bluegrass music and attributes a lot of his musical knowledge to the "Pete Goble School of Bluegrass."
*Mike Anglin -
Mike Anglin joined LRB in February of 2007, playing both upright and electric bass. Originally from Richmond, Kentucky, Mike now lives in Nashville, TN. He has most recently been a member of Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time as well as 3 Fox Drive.
Mike has gained a reputation as a stellar bass player throughout the bluegrass and country industry by playing and recording with numerous bands including Del McCoury, Ronnie Bowman, Melonie Cannon, Continental Divide, Larry Stephenson and Charlie Sizemore.
He has won several International Bluegrass Music Awards, including participation in the 2006 Album of the Year.
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Floyd, Virginia, Fall/Winter 2008-2009
Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market Announces New Corn Maze Design
The 2008 design for the "Corn Acoustics!" Corn Maze, which annually honors bluegrass and old-time roots music of Southwest Virginia, was recently announced. Local artist Ruth Jean Bolt and Sue Shelor helped with the design, captioned "Bluegrass Music: Old Time Ways:. A stylized banjo, fiddle and guitar center the maze design in the six acre challenge. A smaller maze completes the design and offers a less challenging walk through the corn. This year marks the third for the "Corn Acoustics!" Corn Maze, which opens each year during the Chinquapin Festival on Labor Day weekend in Meadows of Dan. Questions about corn and The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Trail, will be hidden through the mazes. The Chinquapin Festival, now in its 4th year, features local arts and crafts, live music, and slow-cooked BBQ. Picnic tables are provided for limited seating under the big tent.
The promoter recommends visitors bring along their lawn chairs for the music and to enjoy the festivities. The festival is held annually on Labor Day weekend, rain or shine. Corn Maze Days will run through September and October on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Special events planned include a Moonlight Couples Night and a haunted corn maze. The maze in located at 84 Concord Road, Meadows of Dan, Virginia. For more information contact Sue Shelor at 540-593-3270 or check out her web site at www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.
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Simple Pleasures, October 2008
Love of Land, art keeps Shelors busy
Photo Not Available
Sue Shelor stands at the entrance of the giant corn maze she and her husband have grown on their Meadows of Dan farm. The maze winds its way through a 22-acre corn field, wher the plants are as high as 14 feet in places. She said the maze takes about an hour to traverse. There is a smaller maze, which takes about 15 minutes to walk through, for children or for those short on time.
By John Peters
If Meadows of Dan is home to business people who found they had a genuine love for the businesses they operate, and Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market is perhaps the best example of that. It is home to a couple who have combined a passion for the land, a love of their ancestral home, and a diverse business operation that they enjoy.
Sue Shelor and her husband, Sammy, operate the business, although Sammy works off the farm as well, and spends a great deal of his time in Lonesome River Band.
Sue, though, keeps close to home, managing the farm-based operation.
She first started on what has become her full-time occupation several years ago, growing gourds and working, painting, and crafting them into pieces of art. Without an outlet for selling the, other than traveling to craft shows around the region, she decided to begin her own open-air market on the farm her husband had inherited.
"That first year I was trying to make this into a farmer's market," she said. "I wrote 70 letters to local farmers and never got a single reply. So, I said heck with that, I'll grow my own produce."
And that's just what she has done, growing the gourds she fashions into artwork, as well as an eclectic assortment of vegetables.
"We grow potatoes, corn, tomatoes, peppers, peas, radish, I just wanted to grow a full spectrum...unique things...not things you'll find in the grocery store." That means a healthy dose of heirloom vegetables -- plants that have been passed down from generation to generation. The tomatoes or peppers one buys from Shelor's farm might very well be the same type of tomato or vegetable their great-grandparents ate, without genetic alterations or cross-breeding that have changed so much of the produce market over the years.
In addition to growing her own vegetables, she and her husband converted a small home on their property to a craft shop, where local artisans can sell their wares.
"I just wanted to give back to the local artisans, giving them a chance to sell here. I only accept crafts from artisans in Floyd and Patrick Counties, and I only accept hand-made crafts."
The shop is in its first year, but each room is filled with various items, all spun or built individually, one at a time. She said that is one thing which keeps customers coming back. "People, nowadays, are getting away from made in China. They really appreciate the craftsmanship." While that means repeat customers from parts of Virginia and North Carolina, Shelor said it's really Blue Ridge Parkway traffic which is a driving force behind the shop. Many of her customers are travelers.
With less than a year under her belt, Shelor can't really say much about the natural ebb and flow of traffic, though she knows October will be her biggest month, and she'll likely close the shop for a couple of months in the winter.
As for the rest of the year, she isn't sure. But she does have regular traffic, and part of that is because she had already built a clientele before the shop ever opened. First, of course, are the produce and gourd art sales she has done. Second is the fact that her farm has hosted five small fairs of her own creation each of the past few years -- the Hit and Miss in the Mountains fair in May, the Crafts in the Meadows/Meet the Authors even in July; the Meadows of Dan Folk Fair in August; the Chinquapin Festival Labor Day weekend, and the upcoming Indian Summer Days set for Oct. 18-19.
Those are annual events built around old time and blue grass music and folk art, with local crafters able to come in, set up and sell their wares.
"We always have local music, which is free, vendors can set up and sell food. These are small events, but it's just a little something extra for the tourists to come in and visit while they are in town," she said. "Each event usually brings anywhere from 300 to 500 people to the farm."
Despite all the goings on at Mountain Meadow, perhaps what the farm is becoming best known for is the annual corn maze, which is open now.
The maze, which this year includes a banjo, mandolin and guitar in its shape, covers about 6 1/2 acres and takes the typical visitor about an hour to work through.
This is the third year of the maze, and while about 1,500 visitors made the trip through the cornfield each of the past two years, the 2008 figures appear to be on track to far exceed that.
Shelor explained the idea for the maze came from a farmer friend of theirs who lives in West Virginia, where he has been doing cornfield mazes for years.
"We have 22 acres here in town, and I wanted to do something here to keep the land pristine, but make money," she said.
Each year's maze incorporates the idea of blue grass and mountain music in some manner, and as Halloween approaches, the maze takes on a decidedly darker tone, with a haunted maze scheduled for Oct. 24, 25 and 31.
There is also a smaller maze for kids (which Shelor said won't be haunted for Halloween but will be open so families can go through the scarier maze with the older siblings and still have something for the younger children.) That maze, which takes about 15 minutes to walk through, is also open at other times for tourists who don't have a full hour to spend in the larger structure.
There is an admission charge for the mazes - $6 for people age 5 and older, free for those younger for the larger one, $2 for the smaller maze and free for those younger than 5.
For more information visit www.moutainmeadowcrafts.com.
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The Enterprise, Stuart, Virginia, August 20, 2008
2008 Design Announced for Corn Acoustics! Corn Maze
Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market has announced the 2008 design for the "Corn Acoustics!" Corn maze, which annually honors bluegrass and old-time roots music of Southwest Virginia.
Local Artist Ruth Jean Bolt and Sue Shelor helped with the design, captioned "Bluegrass Music: Old Time Ways."
A stylized banjo, fiddle and guitar center the maze design in the six-acre challenge. A smaller maze complete the design and offers a less challenging walk through the corn.
This is the third year for the corn maze, which opens each year during the Chinquapin Festival on Labor Day weekend in Meadows of Dan.
Corn Maze Days will kick off with the Chinquapin Festival on Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 1, with the grand opening of the two mazes.
Questions about corn and The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail will be hidden throughout the mazes.
The Chinquapin Festival, now in its fourth year, features local arts and crafts, live music, and slow-cooked barbecue. Picnic tables will be provided for limited seating under the big tent.
The promoter recommends that visitors bring their lawn chairs to enjoy the music and festivities.
The festival is held annually on Labor Day weekend, rain or shine.
Corn Maze Days will run through September and October on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special events planned include a Moonlight Couples Night and a haunted corn maze.
The maze in located at 84 Concord Road, Meadows of Dan. Groups are welcome and are asked to call ahead. For more information contact Sue Shelor at 540-593-3279 or check out her web site at http://www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.
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Festival News, September/October 2008
Corn Maze Days
Six acre maze with hidden questions
This tongue-flapping pup is eager to try out the six acre maze in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Find your way in and out every weekend from September to October at Corn Maze Days. For details call (276)952-5568 or visit www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.
Corn Maze Days at Mountain Meadow Farm will kick off with the Chinquapin Festival on August 30-September 1, 2008 featuring music, crafts, and fun and food in the fields with the grand opening of the six acre maze to challenge maze enthusiasts. There will be questions about mountain music hidden throughout the maze and a smaller maze will be offered for the less daring explorer. The maze will be open weekends in September and October, weather permitting. Each year the maze is designed to promote the old-time and bluegrass music of Southwest Virginia. New for this year is a Moonlight Couples Night and as always the Corn Maze will be haunted in October. Visit www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com for dates or call (276)952-5568 or (276)952-6575.
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Festival News, July/August 2008
Meadows of Dan Folk Fair
"Hillbilly Days" and a Belgium horse
MEADOWS OF DAN, VA - The Meadows of Dan Folk Fair will be held on August 9, 2008, with activities from 10am - 7pm. New this year is the theme "Hillbilly Days". Meadows Edge Knife Shop is sponsoring a contest with a $100 prize for the most authentically dressed "Hillbilly" adult and $50 for the most authentically dressed youth.
Also new is the "Corn Acoustics!" Corn Maze which will be open especially for the event. This six acre maze highlights the heritage music of beautiful Southwest Virginia. Other new activities planned include making butter the old fashioned way with a butter churn display, a quilting demonstration and more.
As always, heritage music is a strong part of the Folk Fair, so there will be lots of great music and performances. Stroll through the craft show featuring traditional art demonstrations such as a blacksmith, making peach butter, a kid's tent and a Belgium horse and wagon ride. The highlight of the day is the popular play "Orlean Pucket" starring Phyllis Stump, who will perform live at Poor Farmer's Market stage from 5:30 - 7pm offering a unique tribute to mountain heritage and tradition.
The Meadows of Dan Folk Fair is held in association with the Virginia Peach Festival which opens August 4 and ends August 8, 2008. Throughout the town there will be specialty foods available, along with local peaches honoring the Virginia Peach Festival. The Peach Festival offers "Peach Week" featuring a pageant, gospel music and singing and much more. For more information contact the Patrick County Chamber office at (276) 694-6012. For more information about the Meadows of Dan Folk Festival call (276)952-2500 or visit www.meadowsofdanva.com.
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The Enterprise, Stuart, Virginia, July 2, 2008
Meet the Authors event at Mountain Meadow Farm
Several Southwest Virginia authors are scheduled to attend a "Meet the Authors" gathering on Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6, at Mountain Meadow Farm in Meadows of Dan.
Featured as part of the Crafts n the Meadow festival, "Meet the Authors" is an annual event which showcases the talent of local and regional writers. Authors will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to talk about their work and sign copies of their books. The event is free and open to the public.
The following writers are expected to attend:
* Ralph J. Lutts is an environmental historian and faculty member at Goddard College. He is author of The Nature Fakes: Wildlife, Science and Sentiment. Lutts is a founding member of the Blue Ridge Heritage, Inc., board of directors. He and his wife, Susan Moore, operate Dan River Books in Meadows of Dan.
*Joe Wilson, chairman of the National Council for Traditional Arts, has been active in promoting The Crooked Road, which travels through Patrick County. He is the author of the best-selling book, A Guide to the Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.
*Tammy Robinson Smith of Bristol is the owner of Mountain Girl Press, a publishing venue for Appalachian women writers. She is the award-winning author of Emmybeth Speaks.
*Lona Greer Watson's first novel, Nocturne, is receiving fantastic reviews. She lives in Rocky Mount.
*Margaret Adkins of Fieldale, Virginia, is the author of Echoes, a memoir about her life growing up in a large family that was affected by the Depression and living in a small mill town.
Crafts in the Meadows is an annual event that takes place the weekend closest to July 4. Other activities planned are music, a craft show featuring local artisans and demonstrations of highland games events. For more information contact Sue Shelor at (276_ 952-5568 or (540)593-3279.
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The Enterprise, Stuart, VA August 29, 2007
Band's 25th year to be theme of corn maze this year
The Lonesome River Band is celebrating 25 years in bluegrass this year as one of the most popular and influential acts on the bluegrass festival and concert circuit.
"The band has not looked back since the release of their breakout CD "Carrying the Tradition" in 1991, according to a news release from the Lonesome River Band.
The CD included current band leader Sammy Shelor, along with Dan Tyminski, Ronnie Bowman, and LRB founder Tim Austin.
"Over the years band members have some and gone, but the Lonesome River Band still retains the distinctive sound that brought them their success," the release states.
Shelor, a native of Meadows of Dan, is involved with his wife Sue in the "Corn Acoustics!" Corn Maze project, now in its second year. Last year's theme and design honored the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, and this year the Shelors have put together a double feature corn maze design that celebrates LRB's adventures over 25 years on the road.
Corn Maze Days in Meadows of Dan will kick off with the Chinquapin Festival on Sept. 1-3, featuring music, crafts, food and "fun in the fields" with the grand opening of two mazes, one large and one smaller, to challenge maze enthusiasts.
Questions about the Lonesome River Band and the band members will be hidden throughout the larger maze and prizes will be awarded to entries with correct answers. Check out the band's website at www.lonesomeriverband.com for a head start on the answers.
Corn Maze Days will run through September and October on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The maze is located at 84 Concord Road, Meadows of Dan. Groups are welcome but asked to call ahead.
For more information contact Sue Shelor at 540=593-3279 or check out her website at www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.
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Virginia Festivals, September/October 2007
"Corn Acoustics!"
Corn Maze
The "Corn Acoustics!" Corn Maze event honors the Lonesome River Band on September 1-3, 2007. Located in the Meadows of Dan this six-acre corn maze and hay bale maze are sure to hold some surprises. Call (540)593-3270 for more information.
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Festival News, March/April 2007
Hit and Miss in the Mountains Festival
held on a beautiful 23 acre family farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Bring your lawn chairs and sit back to enjoy the Hit and Miss In the Mountains Antique Engine and Tractor Show. The Show will take place on May 26-28, 2007 in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, and will offer food and fun as well as a glimpse into the past. Call (540)593-3279 for more information.
MEADOWS OF DAN, VA -- The Hit and Miss in the Mountains Festival will be held at the Mountain Meadows Farm and Craft Market on May 26-28, 2007. Among the many activities to take place are over 50 exhibitors of fascinating antique engines and tractors, craft vendors and a farmer's market. Musical entertainment will be by talented regional bands performing bluegrass and old-time favorites. Enjoy a beautiful day in the mountains. For more information call (540)593-3279 or visit www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.
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Patrick County Chamber of Commerce September 21, 2006
Sammy Shelor Entertains Patrick Fair Audience
9/21/06 - Sammy Shelor the famous banjo picker from Meadows of Dan and Lonesome River Band entertained fair goers on Thursday night, September 21.
Sammy was joined on stage with Johnny Joyce of the Country Boys and talked about old times when Sammy was a member of this popular band.
They put on a great show with some Bill Monroe and Flat & Scruggs tunes. Plus some old time Gospel tunes.
The program lasted from 9:00pm to after 10:00pm.
Sammy and his wife Sue Shelor have just opened the Acoustics Corn Maze in Meadows of Dan at the Farmer's Market. The maze is designed in the shape of the Crooked Road Music Trail logo, which is largely a banjo.
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Richmond Times-Dispatch, Sunday, September 10, 2006
Musical Maze
Sammy and Sue Shelor used their imagination -- plus graph paper, spray paint and a good bit of corn -- to make a creative statement
Couple cuts a path to attract tourists
by Bill Lohmann
Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
Meadows of Dan
Sammy and Sue Shelor built it. Now they hope people will come.
The Shelors' field of dreams is five acres of corn, grown not in simple rows but in an intricate design that from above replicates the Crooked Road logo, banjo and all. From the ground, it takes a map and a little imagination to understand that you're not just wandering through a crop of really tall corn.
"This is the banjo pot," said Sammy Shelor, widely considered one of America's best banjo pickers, as he and wife Sue led a couple of visitors on a walking tour through the maze.
After another turn or two in the corridors of corn:
"These are the strings that come across the pot."
And another:
"Here's the neck."
Then:
"Here's the first string tuner."
And:
"Right here's the 'R'."
You know how hard it is to write an "R" in corn?
The maze is open to the public on weekends and some weekdays through October.
The Shelors' motivation in creating the corn maze was twofold.
They wanted to find an inspired use for a patch of land that was once owned by Sammy's grandfather. They also hoped to find a clever way to lure tourists to the Crooked Road, a driving tour through the Appalachian Mountains that is promoted statewide as Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. Stops along the road include the Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood, the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons and, now, the Shelor corn maze in Meadows of Dan, a small community at the intersection of Route 58 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
"The Crooked Road project is really the first thing to come along to recognize the music of Southwest Virginia and the wealth of talent there is in this area of the country," said Shelor, whose Lonesome River Band has a national following. "We all want the Crooked Road to take off and help develop all the musical talent in this area."
But the life of a bluegrass musician -- even one as well-known and lauded as Shelor -- is not quite as glamorous as you might think. A few hours after guiding the journey through the maze, Shelor loaded his bandmates on their tour bus and made an overnight, 13-hour drive to a gig in Cape Cod. The day after, they were due to perform in North Carolina.
"Tell you the truth, I hate having to drive to Cape Cod," he said, "but I've got to make a living."
The idea for the maze largely belongs to Sue, a gourd artist who launched a farmer's market in Meadows of Dan last year and wanted to come up with something to highlight local musicians. The Shelors enlisted the help of a friend from West Virginia who designs such mazes. The drew it on graph paper, then went about spray painting the former hayfield, weed-whacking the proposed trail and then planting the corn. Off to the side, a well-dressed scarecrow wears a ball cap from Barr's Fiddle Shop in Galax.
They figure visitors will spend at least a half-hour finding their way through the maze and answering trivia questions at various stations along the way. IF they get lost, they can just follow the music.
"This is a great example of using our land, our musical heritage and hospitality to draw visitors to the region, while also continuing to preserve and protect these valuable resources," said Debbie Robinson, director of the Blue Ridge Music Center, another stop along the Crooked Road.
Down the road, the Shelors would like to add a tractor for hayrides and a theater for bluegrass shows.
Some of those dreams, though, depend on the success of the corn maze.
They're not sure what to expect, but they have high hopes. They know of a maze near Knoxville that draws 100,000 visitors every year, at $5 a head.
The Shelors' visions aren't so grand yet, but they hope to do well since autumn is the big tourism season around Meadows of Dan as the Blue Ridge Parkway becomes crowded with visitors coming to watch the leaves turn.
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The Mount Airy News, September 4, 2006
Corn maze opens for fall
by Wendy Bylery Wood, Staff Writer
MEADOWS OF DAN, Va. -- Who wouldn't love to lose themselves in another world when things get too stressful at home or at work or they just want to get away from the business of life?
Those who want to really "get lost" can take their chances in a 5.5-acre corn field in Meadows of Dan, which opened Saturday as The Corn Acoustics corn maze in honor of the Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.
The logo for The Crooked Road is the design of the maze with numerous twists and turns and two entrances/exits for adventurers to weave and wind through on the weekends between now and Halloween.
On Saturday, the corn maze, owned by Sammy and Sue Shelor, opened officially with a ribbon cutting and ceremony featuring several Virginia politicians and community and tourism leaders.
"We had over 100 people come through today (Saturday). That's pretty good for the first day of six hours," Sue Shelor said.
Shelor explained that she and Sammy had been involved in The Crooked Road prior to the corn maze, because Sammy is a musician and plays banjo with The Lonesome River Band. "We wanted to help promote the musicians along the Crooked Road," she said.
"We felt we needed to be involved in that, and we know how important it was to highlight these people and tell the whole United States about the origin of bluegrass and country music," Shelor said.
Through brainstorming, the idea of a corn maze was brought up, and Shelor said she knew she wanted it to be musically themed and decided she wanted it to be The Crooked Road logo.
"I went to a meeting of The Crooked Road and Todd Christensen and Bill Smith introduced me. I explained how I started a farm and craft market (in Meadows of Dan) with a desire to unite Southwest Virginia craftsman and artisans and farmers, and I proceeded to say I wanted to do a corn maze and asked for permission to use the logo," Shelor said.
Permission was granted. That was when Sammy contacted his friend, John Arnold, a farmer in West Virginia with an engineering background, who had designed a couple of corn mazes of his own.
"I told him he needed to come help us with ours," Sammy said Saturday during the opening ceremony. "He drew it out on graph paper, and we took blue paint and a measuring wheel and he drew it out."
Sue Shelor explained that the corn was planted in a no-till situation, in which holes were drilled and seeds planted, so there will be no plowing done in the field at the end of the year.
The corn was donated by Southern States in Mount Airy, and, after the design was cut out of the field, Jody Early of Twin County Aviation took Sammy up in a plane to get an aerial shot of the corn maze.
"Our last hurrah will be on Halloween when people can go in with their flash lights and get spooked," Shelor said. "Then, in November, my husband and I and volunteers will go in and handpick as much corn as we can to be resold later as squirrel feed. Then there is a man who will come in and chop it down to put it in a silage area to feed his cattle.
"It will be utilized. I'm really big on utilizing every aspect of what we grow to the biggest extent. I want no waste if at all possible," she said.
"Next year, we'll do another musical theme. It will always be some way musically themed and highlight our history into the days way back when to educate people about our music. Whether it is rock 'n' roll or jazz, it all started with what was brought over with the settlers," Shelor said.
"People need to know where the roots of music come from. This area in particular holds a lot of heritage in music," she said.
An adventure in the corn maze costs $5 per person, and there also is a hay maze in the design of a tractor puffing smoke that Shelor's son, Hunter, designed and constructed out of about 300 bales of hay for the kids.
The Corn Acoustics corn maze will be open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during September and Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October. Private tours are available by appointment by contacting Shelor through her Web site, www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.
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Patrick County Chamber of Commerce September 2, 2006
Congressman Boucher Speaks at Corn Maze Opening
9/2/06 - Congressman Rick Boucher was the main speaker for the Grand Opening of the Corn Acoustics Corn Maze at Meadows of Dan, VA on Saturday, September 2, 2006.
Other guest speakers included, Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, Del. Ward Armstrong, Steve Galyean, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Woody Crenshaw, Round the Mountain, Joe Wilson, The Crooked Road, Regena Handy, Patrick County Administrator.
The new corn maze is owned and operated by Sammy and Sue Shelor.
Entertainment was provided by Linda Lay and Sammy Shelor & Crooked Run and DorNel Pratt.
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Patrick County Chamber of Commerce September 2, 2006
Tom Bishop tries out Corn Maze
9/2/06 - Tom Bishop, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce was one of the first to try out the Corn Maze in Meadows of Dan on September 2, 2006.
Along with his daughter, Lisa Bishop Allen, he maneuvered through the corn maze. Fortunately, they made it from one end of the maze and back to the starting point without any assistance.
Tom says he remembers as a child being lost in a corn field at his grandfather's farm in Claudville, VA. This can be frightening for a small child.
He says it was a fun experience in 9 foot high corn stalks.
The corn maze will be open until the end of October. It is operated by Sue Shelor of Meadows of Dan, VA. The maze design in the Crooked Road Music Trail logo. The corn maze is adjacent toe the Mountain Meadows Farmer's and Craft Market.
For more information call: 540-593-3279.
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Patrick County Chamber of Commerce September 2, 2006
Ribbon Cutting for Corn Maze at Meadows of Dan
9/2/06 - The ribbon-cutting and grand opening was had at Meadows of Dan, VA at the Mountain Meadows Farmer's and Craft Market for the Acoustic Corn Maze.
The owners are Sammy and Sue Shelor.
Congressman Rick Boucher was on had for the special event.
Sue Shelor is shown in the picture cutting the ribbon.
Traffic was heavy in the opening hours with those who wanted to enter the corn maze.
This was a busy day for the Meadows of Dan business community as many came out to purchase fruit and vegetables at Poor Farmers Market and eat at the local restaurants.
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The Floyd Press, Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tying in a theme
Music trail winds through corn maze
by Mary Beth Starkey
Staff Writer
An aerial view shows the maze that will be open to the public this week. U. S. Congressman Rick Boucher, State Senator Roscoe Reynolds and other officials will be present for the grand opening. Photo by Sammy Shelor
Looking for an interesting way to spend an afternoon this upcoming fall? How about picking your way through a maze...in a cornfield?
Those brave enough to take a chance can look forward to the opening of Patrick County's first ever musically themed corn maze, set along the Crooked Road in Meadows of Dan.
The maze will open in accordance with the second annual Chinquapin Festival on Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, 2006.
Husband and wife team Sammy and Sue Shelor of Meadows of Dan earn the credit for the addition of the Corn Acoustics Corn Maze to the community, though the idea originated in West Virginia.
Sammy, a banjoist in the popular bluegrass group, the Lonesome River Band, and Sue, "the promoter and manager of the family farm," set the maze in motion after hearing about another maze near Romney, Wva. John Arnold, of the Lonesome Highway Bluegrass Band, is the creator of this wonder and sparked Sammy and Sue's interest.
The Shelors own Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market in Meadows of Dan and decided to set the location for the maze adjacent to the business.
After beginning the project on June 23, 2006, it was finally completed this August. According to Sue, the maze has taken over 30 hours from start to finish to complete.
The maze, created in the shape of the Crooked Road logo, which seemed to fit, is very high maintenance. Sammy mows and uses the weed eater every one and a half to two weeks.
The opening date of the event, though conveniently planned to coincide with the festival Sue herself started, was mainly set for this late in the summer due to the fact that the corn just wasn't tall enough.
"We wanted the corn eight or nine feet tall so people would feel like it's tall and not be able to look over," said Sammy.
"Now it's 10 to 12 feet throughout," added Sue.
The Shelors' friend came into play during the creation of the logo-shaped design.
"John drew it out on a graph," Sammy said. "He used a measuring wheel, can of paint and his eye."
After painting the logo on to the cornfield, the corn was cut in its youth, even before the team viewed the blueprint from an airplane.
"We did it all from the ground," said Sammy. "Basically just leaving two feet on either side of the line."
When the project was completed, the two set the date and time for the event and look forward to the attention it brings to the area and the locals along the Crooked Road.
"We basically wanted to highlight area musicians," said Sue.
"And I really think this is the first thing to come around to highlight the musicians from this area," added her husband.
Aerial views of the corn maze can also be seen through links on the Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market website at http://www.mountainmeadowcrafts.com.
Hunter, the Shelors' 15-year-old son, designed a maze for the younger children, which can also bee seen to the left of the corn maze in the photos.
The attraction's grand opening ceremony on September 2 will begin at 11 a.m. and is set to feature speakers, including Congressman Rick Boucher and State Senator Roscoe Reynolds, as well as many other local and regional officials.
The corn maze will continue to be open during the fall. Hours in September are Fridays through Sundays. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours for the maze in October are Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The maze is located along the Crooked Road beside the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 178 on Concord Church Road and can also be reached by US Route 58 to Meadows of Dan.
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Patrick County Chamber of Commerce August 29, 2006
Mountain Meadow Farmer's & Craft Market join Patrick Chamber
8/29/06 - The Mountain Meadow Farmer's & Craft Market in Meadows of Dan, VA has joined the Patrick Chamber of Commerce.
The contact person is Sue Shelor at 540-593-3279.
Come to the Grand Opening of the "Corn Acoustics!" Corn Maze on Sept. 2, 11:00 AM
Also the Chinquapin Festival will be celebrated Sept. 2-4, 10:00am - 5:00pm.
Location is 84 Concord Road, Meadows of Dan.
Just 150 yards off the Blue Ridge Parkway
Just 50 yards from Business Rt. 58.
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Patrick County Chamber of Commerce August 23, 2006
Corn Maze celebrates the Crooked Road Music Trail
8/23/06 - The Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market announces the opening of the first musically-themed corn maze in Patrick County on Saturday, September 2nd.
As reported by The Enterprise, August 23, 2006
The corn maze's inaugural design is the logo of "the Crooked Road: Southwest Virginia's Heritage Music Trail>"
The grand opening ceremony will be held at 11:00am, September 2. Speakers include: U. S. Congressman Rich Boucher and State Senator Roscoe Reynolds.
The Corn Maze is operated by Sammy and Sue Shelor of Meadows of Dan. Sammy is a well known banjoist and heads up the award-winning Lonesome River Band.
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The Enterprise, Stuart, Virginia, August 23, 2006
Sammy and Sue Shelor created Patrick County's first corn maze at Meadows of Dan with a "Crooked Road" theme. Visitors to the maze will be able to get "lost" in the frets and strings of Sammy's banjo. The photo also shows (to the left of the corn maze) a small hay bale maze in the shape of a tractor.
Meadows of Dan corn maze celebrates Crooked Road
Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market announces the opening of the first musically-themed corn maze in Patrick County on Saturday, Sept. 2.
The corn maze's inaugural design is the logo of "the Crooked Road: Southwest Virginia's Heritage Music Trail."
The Corn Acoustics Corn Maze is located in Meadows of Dan, a part of the 250-mile Crooked Road, and "pays homage to the musicians and musical heritage of this region" according to a news release.
A grand opening ceremony will be held at 11 a. m. Sept. 2 to officially open the corn maze. Expected speakers include Congressman Rick Boucher and state Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, as well as other local and regional officials. The public is invited to attend the opening, which will coincide with the second annual Chinquapin Festival being held in Meadows of Dan Sept. 2-4.
There will be numerous attractions for children, including a hay bale maze.
The Corn Acoustics Corn Maze is owned and operated by Sammy and Sue Shelor of Meadows of Dan. Sammy is a well-known banjoist and head up the award-winning Lonesome River Band. Sue is a gourd crafter who also promotes and manages the family farm.
The idea of a corn maze was sparked by a friend in West Virginia, the Shelors said. John Arnold, a member of the Lonesome Highway Bluegrass Band, does a corn maze every year near Romney, W.Va.
The Shelors also own Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market, which "unites Southwestern Virginia artisans and craftsmen along with local heritage farmers to preserve the traditions of days gone by," the news release states.
Sue Shelor said she is "very excited about the realization of the dream" and is "hopeful that it will bring additional prosperity to the area."
Shelor expressed her appreciation to Jody Early with Twin County Aviation, LLC, for his involvement in getting aerial photos of the corn maze. She also thanked the Patrick County Tourism Office and Jeannie Frisco, Tourism coordinator, for assistance leading up to the grand opening.
"Patrick County has a long and proud history of farming and we are attempting to utilize this heritage as a draw to increase tourism into the community and boost the area's economy," Frisco said. "Agritourism initiatives like this corn maze are a centerpiece of the county's tourism strategy along with promotion of our cultural assets such as music and arts.
"This project is a terrific example of utilizing and ridging two organizations - 'Round the Mountain with their promotion of agricultural specialties and the Crooked Road by using their musically-themed logo," Frisco said. "On behalf of Patrick County, I want to thank Sue and Sammy Shelor for believing in our community and creating this new and exciting attraction."
The Corn Acoustics Corn Maze will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday during September, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday during October.
The new stop along the Crooked Road is located adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 178 on Concord Road (Rt. 795) and can be reached by taking U. S. Rt. 58 to Meadows of Dan.
The Chinquapin Festival highlights the arts, crafts, and agricultural history of Meadows of Dan and the Blue Ridge Mountains region.
Musical performers for the festival will include Sammy Shelor, Linda Lay, and Crooked Run, along with DorNel Pratt.
Visitors can savor fried apple pies, sandwiches, homemade fudge, and fresh-cooked sweet corn from the Shelor farm.
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The Enterprise, August 9, 2006
Shelors attend corn maze seminar
Sammy and Sue Shelor of Meadows of Dan attended a program called "Corn Maze In-Service Training" at Williams Orchard and Dairy Farm in Crockett on July 12. Joe and Judy Sparks and their son Joey, also of Patrick County, attended the session as well.
The Shelors have been active in recent tourism initiatives in Southwest Virginia and have planted a corn maze on their family farm in Meadows of Dan. Their involvement with The Crooked Road and Round the Mountain projects gave them the idea of creating a yearly musically themed corn maze. They received permission to use The Crooked Road logo for the first maze, scheduled to open Labor Day weekend.
The one-day seminar covered many aspects of corn maze creation and management. A team of experts talked on several topics. Kevin Williams of Williams Orchard and Dairy Farm spoke about increasing tourism and agritourism. He pointed out the value of adding new activities to the farm every year. Andy Overbay and Dr. Alan Straw of Virginia Cooperative Extension discussed topics including insurance, liability, and aspects of maintenance and marketing of corn mazes.
The Shelors learned about planting strategies, corn varieties, diseases and details about designing corn mazes and their upkeep. Sue Shelor commented on the importance of boosting ag-tourism in Patrick County.
Sammy and Sue Shelor own Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market in Meadows of Dan, currently in its second season, offering a wide variety of fresh produce and crafts every weekend.
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The Enterprise, April, 2005
Shelor attends farmers' market seminar
Sue Shelor of Mountain Meadow Farm and Craft Market in Meadows of Dan attended the Farmers' Tailgate Market Manager and Leader Workshop, held April 6 in Fletcher, N. C. The event was presented at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center.
Although much of the instruction was geared toward complying with North Carolina law and municipal markets, Shelor discovered many interesting ideas that she could implement in her second season at her farm and craft market.
The seminar featured talks on market management, including the importance of connecting the customer directly with the farmer. Emphasis was placed on "Buy Local" movements and efforts within communities.
"Having started the farm and craft market in Meadows of Dan last year, it's essential to be as knowledgeable as possible in this field," Shelor said. "The workshop was very informative and we left with a wealth of literature covering all aspects on farmers' markets.
"With the new Wal-mart coming this month it is important for local farmers and growers to stress to the public the nutritional value that home-grown produce has to offer. Some of the farmers attending the seminar donated some of their local specialty produce, bread, cheese and meat for a delightful lunch."
Other subjects addressed included recruitment of farmers as vendors, market size, customer relations and promotion of the market. Food safety laws were discussed, along with other regulations pertaining to food handling and selling.
Speakers included Nina
Planct, a food writer, entrepreneur, advocate for small farmers and a leading
expert on farmers' markets and local foods; John M. O'Sullivan, a Cooperative
Exptension Specialist; Charlie Jackson, director and one of the founders of the
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), and Peter Marks, local food
and farm coordinator for ASAP. The workshop was a cooperative effort
produced by ASAP, the USDA Risk Management Agency, and NC AT&T (SARE PDP).
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