WEST SALEM, Wisconsin (WXOW) – Widespread drought this summer has many farmers praying for rain and plentiful snowfall come winter.
For one farm in West Salem the recent rainfall has meant a loss in profits.
The Hidden Trails Corn Maze is only open for two months out of the year. During this time, dry and comfortable weather is crucial to bring people out to the farm.
This season, rain and cold weather has dominated a number of crucial money-making weekends. David Miller, co-owner of Hidden Trails Corn Maze, says profits are down compared to last year.
"It hasn't been a very good year because of the weather," said Miller. "Last weekend it was raining so we virtually have to close the maze down. And the weekend before we were open but it was very cold and windy. And we only got a time period of now through Halloween."
Despite the slow season, Miller said the nice weather and the start of the popular "Haunted Trail" tour drew big crowds to the farm this past weekend.
"We usually have a long line waiting to get in," said Miller. "And that is a trail. It is not any kind of maze. You do not have to make any decisions out there. It's just a trail. That way we can get you exactly where we want you to be so we can give you the scare that you paid for."
The corn maze will run an extra week this year to help with profits and the haunted trail is open for two more days this season, Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27. Miller said the extra days and good turnout for the rest of the season will help recoup some of their weather related loses.
