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Richardson Farm's corn maze celebrates 60 years of James Bond

It's all about 007 and the many faces of Bond, James Bond, at the Richardson Adventure Farm's "World's Largest" corn maze this year.

Starting Saturday, Sept. 10, maze fans can trek through portraits of the five biggest stars to portray the iconic spy going all the way back to 1962's "Dr. No." Depicted are Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. A casino, a bikini-clad Bond girl and an Aston Martin complete the theme.

"We're celebrating 60 years of James Bond movies," said George Richardson, who operates the farm along with his wife, Wendy; his brother, Robert; Robert's wife, Carol; George's son, Ryan; and Ryan's wife, Kristen.

"It sounded fun," he said. "They are action-packed, entertaining films, and, unless you're a rare George Lazenby fan, we've got your favorite Bond covered."

This year's maze features 10.3 miles of trails across 28 acres. But with numerous points of entry and exit, the journey through the corn can be as brief or as lengthy as desired.

"Even though it is the 'world's largest, most intricate' maze, those entering can choose a 10-minute, left-turns-only trail or do the whole thing in about an hour and a half," Wendy Richardson said. "We provide maps with checkpoints. There are also three raised bridges connecting the four segments. There are no dead-ends. You can't get lost."

Along with its world-renowned maze, the Richardson Adventure Farm features a 50-foot observation tower, train rides, a carousel, picnic areas, wagon rides, a zip line, 150- and 100-foot slides, Zorbing, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, goat feeding area, pedal kart tracks, live music on weekends, a kiddie play area, jumping pillows, pig races, air cannons, a paintball shooting gallery, indoor restrooms, a spacious gift shop, wine tasting bar and more.

Robert Richardson said fall color enthusiasts will delight in an added feature to this year's regular adventure farm offerings: 13 acres of sunflowers also await.

Touring the sunflower fields is included in the price of admission. Cut flowers will be available for purchase at $1 a stem for single flowers or $4 for multibranched flowers.

Also new this year will be a craft beer tent featuring at least three local brew varieties. Food trucks also will be on-site, and the farm's piping hot doughnuts, fresh out of the fryer, are not to be missed.

Ryan Richardson said fall fun on the farm is the perfect family getaway.

"We really do have something for everyone," he said. "We love seeing the smiles on kids' faces as they take it all in."

Located at 909 English Prairie Road in Spring Grove, the farm will be open Thursdays through Sundays, Sept. 10 to Oct. 30.

Admission is $18 for those ages 13 or older, $16 for those ages 3 to 12, and free for those age 2 or younger. Weekend pricing increases in October to $18 for ages 3 to 12 and $24 for 13 or older.

Group discounts are available, as well as campfire and picnic site rentals. Visit richardsonfarm.com for details.

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