Birchland Ocoee Farms Offers Hub for Local Economy

Birchland Ocoee Farms, home of popular River Maze is located at 1371 US-64 in Benton, TN on the banks of the Ocoee, “where the river flows, and memories grow!” It is a family farm of four generations that is owned and operated by Joe and Dianne Fetzer.  Opening day is September 21^st when the Farm will host the annual Dinner by the River, a community event that showcases food that is produced by local farmers and businesses.

Among those that will participate in Dinner by the River this year are Appalachian Bee owned by Diane Raven in Ocoee, Apple Valley Orchard operated by Chuck McSpadden in Cleveland, Trew Organic Farms, owned by Bill Trew of Ocoee, Sandy Hood’s Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Patch of Benton, Blackberry Hills Bakery owned by Barbara Leonard of Old Fort, Lamon Farms owned by Randall Lamon of Cleveland, Hoe Hop Valley Farm operated by Walter and Candyce Bates of Parksville, Cookson Creek Farm in Ocoee operated by Clarence and Debbie Hair, The Rafting Goat owned by Mack Haynes of Old Fort, Sannie Mae’s Heirloom Foods of Benton, Rowe Family Farms, and Birchland Ocoee Farms. The dessert makers and event planners are Elois Ledford and Kayla Green from Bakery on Main of Benton. The chefs are Kevin and Dana Caylor of The Crepe Outdoors.  Inspired by Olivia Weatherford, a portion of the proceeds go to St. Jude’s Research on Neuroblastoma and there will be a silent auction to benefit, “LIV – In The Journey”.

Opening day for Birchland Ocoee Farms’ Corn Maze is set for September 28^th when J103 will be onsite.  This year marks their 15th Annual Corn Maze with the theme “Trek Thru Truth in Tennessee,” the theme of their first maze in 2005.  The 2019 Soybean Maze will feature Ott, the hardworking little tractor based on a story written by Jack Higgins, a member of the Polk County Hall of Fame.  Other farm activities at The River Maze include: Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides, Cow Train, Corn Cannons, “Spookey Maze”, “Farm Chores Frenzy,” Barnyard Basketball and Football, Flume Zoom and Team Building activities.

Music on The River, a fundraiser to benefit all Polk County Public Libraries will also be held at Birchland Ocoee Farms.  This event will take place October 3^rd at 6:00 pm.  It will feature dinner, live music from local musicians and silent auction.  Tickets can be purchased at West Polk Public Library in Benton.  On Sunday October 13^th Savannah Renfro Photography will be having a Pumpkin Patch Mini Photo Shoot Sessions.  You can contact Savannah to reserve your spot today at (423) 715-9983.

For more information about hours of operation and special events that Birchland Ocoee Farms offers, you may text or call us at (423) 650-0710 or 423-650-7224. You may also email them: rivermazeocoee@gmail.com or dianne@therivermaze.com.  This Fall, let’s all show our support of the local economy.