It’s the life cycle for him and his family at Clinton Sease Farm, a family farm that ramps up outdoor entertainment with an amazing maze, spooky events, and pumpkin picking in autumn.
It’s part of the farm’s foray into agritourism, which supplies supplemental income for the Sease family, who have been creating memories for generations of kids and their families.
To be sure, the farm operates all year long, with cows, a donkey, a pig, and other animals. But the work is also year-round to prepare for the fall activities.
In 1940, Armand and Roselyn Sease purchased 20 acres near Olde Farm Road and started growing sweet potatoes and peas. They added Southern staples such as collard greens, mustard, and turnip greens. Green onions gave the family a year-round harvest.
Their son Clinton, along with his wife, Shirley, took over the farm in 1978, when Lexington County was just starting to grow into a suburban area.
The farm operated for years, but its transition started thanks to the enthusiasm of a bus of people with the American Farmers Direct Marketing Association (now called NAFDMA) who stopped by the farm’s produce shed wanting to see how a farm is run. They were on their way to a conference in Charlotte, and Clinton talked with them about agritourism.
An idea was planted in daughter Carrie: Why don’t you create a corn maze and open the farm to visitors? That led Clinton and his wife to learn more about agritourism and created the first maze in 2004, an African elephant. They have worked with a company to create the patterns for the maze and also came up with their own ideas.
Fall events last up to seven weeks, but preparation for it “takes a year,” Clinton Sease said, “because when we’re not open and going, we’re redoing, changing, repairing, whatever we have to do.” Running until Nov. 2, the corn maze reflects the commitment of the family to the farm, usually employing a farm-related theme, this year, Barnyard Animals.
There’s also a pumpkin picking area, an education tour on pumpkins, wagon rides, a playground, and food trucks. The farm also is a hit for influencers, who come with a photographer to have endless opportunities for social media.
Clinton Sease Farm also has expanded to fun other times of the year. Early in September, the farm opens for its sunflower display. This year, the display was a little delayed because of crop issues,
In the spring, Sease Farm offers strawberry picking in an event designed for families. School groups are also invited to join in the spring fun. The success of events depends on good weather, better planning, and a lot of help.
For more hours and pricing, visit their website.