Hurricane Bill put a damper on opening weekend at Fort Hill Farms in Thompson , but Tropical Storm Danny could not keep dedicated corn labyrinth enthusiasts from checking out the corn maze on Saturday , Aug . 29 .

Lev Levitin and his wife , Sasha Alexandra , of Brookline , Mass ., both originally from Moscow , were in fine spirits despite the weather , and were the only customers adventurous enough to brave the elements and enter miles of maze where they would learn about “ The Nature of Food . ”

“ This has been a dream for a number of years, ” said Levitin , “ Corn does not grow a lot in Russia . ”

“ We’re ready for a big walk , ” said his wife , and then they disappeared into the corn field .

Fort Hill Farms , one of six Connecticut dairy farms that produce milk for The Farmer’s Cow , is owned and operated by Peter Orr and his wife , Kristin O’Leary Orr . From August to November , they host an educational corn maze with varying themes as a way to help sustain the farm . This year’stheme , “ The Nature of Food , ” will allow visitors to search for clues about the benefits of local food for energy , health and vitality .

“ Come and learn about yourlocal farms , ” said Peter Orr during an interview at his home on Saturday afternoon .

Kristin Orr described the maze – with more than 20 interactive stations and a four-page game sheet – as both “ very active and very educational . ” Additionally , while many worry they might get lost in the maze , she makes sure it’s not a possibility . The maze is color-coded into sections , and staff / adventurers swap cell phone numbers , just in case . “ Every corn stalk looks the same , ” acknowledges Orr laughingly . “ If you’retotally lost , youwon’t remember what we told youabout agriculture !”

Visitors to the farm can admire the hundreds of fall flowers on the property , learn about local sustainability and the life of a Connecticut dairy farmer , purchase some fresh milk or just soak up the beauty of a farm that has been in operation for generations .

Next year, the farmers hope to establish a new visitor’s center at Fort Hill , where ice cream from The Farmer’s Cow can be served . Pick yourfavorite flavor by visiting www . thefarmerscow . com .

The Fort Hill Farms Educational Corn Maze , located at 260 Quaddick Road in Thompson , is open from 10 a . m . to 5 p . m ., Sunday through Thursday , and 10 a . m . to 10 p . m ., on Friday and Saturday , weather permitting .

Call ( 860 ) -923-3439 in advance with questions or to schedule large groups . “ Flashlight Nights” begin at dusk on Friday and Saturday only . Bring yourown flashlight . The last ticket is sold one hour before closing . Adult tickets are $ 12 , tickets for children 12 and under are $ 10 . No pets please .

Younger maze-goers or those not wishing to walk the entire length of the maze may enjoy the Mini MOO Maze .

For more information about Fort Hill Farms , visit their Web site at www . forthillfarms . com .