An “A-maize-ing” Adventure Awaits With Bratt Cornfield Maze
June 13, 2008
Perhaps the most “a-maize-ing” entertainment in the North Escambia area is in Bratt, and it is a challenge that few can meet. It’s just plain “cornfusing”.
“Bratt’s A-maize-ing” cornfield maze is once again open on Highway 4 near Bratt. It is an elaborate maze cut into a six acre cornfield.
So far this season, no one has successfully found their way through the maze, said maze owner Colvin Davis. He and his wife Lavelle have operated the maze for each of the past seven years.
“Some people get really determined to make it through,” Colvin said. “But sometimes I have to go in and get them.”
“I had one lady that came three nights in a row that was really determined to get all the way through without cheating,” he said. “But I had to go in and get her.”
Colvin said he can navigate the maze in about 30 minutes. The fastest folks that have managed to find their way out in years past take about an hour.
The idea for the corn maze became a reality seven years ago when Colvin finally decided “there must be some way to make some money rather than selling corn for $2 a bushel.”
The a-maize-ing idea came from an article Colvin had read in the early 1990’s in Progressive Farmer magazine.
“My son laughed himself nearly to death when I told him what I had decided to do,” Colvin said.
The maze begins with a sketch on graph paper. The corn is planted, and the maze is cut with a small tractor and by hand with a hoe. The letters A, B, C and D mark the correct path’s progression through the maze, but many never find their way past A, he said.
“It’s real rewarding. It’s something for me to do, have a good time and make a little profit,” he said.
Many of the maze visitors are from church groups. The largest church group so far to tour the maze at one time was 132.
In addition to the maze, Colvin offers a free hayride to maze visitors. And he sells other corn goodies like corn dogs, corn chips, popcorn, moonpies and cold drinks.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Bratt’s A-maize-ing Cornfield is located at in Bratt. That’s about a mile and a half east of Highway 97. It is open from 5:00 until 10:00 p.m. (bring your own flashlight!) Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights for groups by appointment. Admission is $5 for adults. Children under five are free with an adult admission. For more information, call 327-6372.
And if you are looking at the aerial picture on this page thinking you could use one to find your way through the maze…”good luck” says Colvin. He’s had people use the pictures and even GPS units to try to find their way through. But so far, that’s not helped anyone conquer Bratt’s A-maize-ing Cornfield.
Pictured above: An aerial photos of the cornfield maze. Pictured middle: The had to find “exit” to the maze. Pictured below: Colvin Davis at the entrance to Bratt’s “A-maize-ing” Cornfield. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Aztec Dancer Visits Library
June 11, 2008
Aztec dancer John Jaramillo kicked off the Century Branch Library’s summer reading program Tuesday afternoon. He performed traditional Aztec dances from Mexico.
Jaramillo has performed regionally, nationally and internationally since 1983. His Pueblo Indian Native American heritage inspired his concept for Old Man Kokopeli – a masked theatre and puppetry production that was featured as part of the famed NYC International Fringe Festival in 1997.
Jaramillo has performed at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in New York City, Popejoy Center for the Arts at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, The Circle (theatre) at the American Indian Community House in New York City, Historic Christ Church in Philadelphia, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque and the Institute of American Indian Art Museum in Santa Fe.
For a complete photo gallery, click here.
VBS At First Baptist Bratt , Walnut Hill Mennonite, Other Churches
June 10, 2008
Vacation Bible School is underway at several area churches.
The First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold “Outrigger Island” Vacation Bible School from 8:30 until 11:30 each morning this week. There will be crafts, recreation, cool music, yummy snacks and lots of fun for ages three to those that just completed the sixth grade. The church is located on Highway 4 between North Highway 99 and Northview High School.
On Monday, dozens joined in the the “Worship Rally” to kickoff Bratt’s VBS. Then the students spread out across the church for their classes, crafts, snacks, recreation, music and more.
The second week of Vacation Bible School will continue at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m for ages five to tenth grade. For more information, contact Eric Koehn at 327-6180, Brian Decker at 327-9596 or Kerry Boeckner at 327-4708. Everyone is welcome. The church is located at the intersection of Highway 97 and North Highway 99.
The First Assembly of God Church in Atmore will hold hold Vacation Bible School each day this week from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. “God’s Big Backyard” is for age two through the sixth grade. For more information, call (251) 368-4637.
For a photo gallery from VBS Monday morning at the First Baptist Church of Bratt, click here.
Pictured above and below: VBS “Outrigger Island” at First Baptist Church of Bratt Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Coach Scores $10,000 For School’s P.E. Program From Governor
June 4, 2008
Byrneville Elementary School has scored an extra ten grand for its P.E. department compliments of the governor.
James “Coach Mac” McDaniel, Byrneville’s physical education teacher, received a $10,000 check from Governor Charlie Crist as part of the Governor’s Fitness Challenge. The money will be used to purchase new P.E. equipment for the charter school.
Coach Mac had 100 percent participation in this year’s fitness challenge at Byrneville, and he was one of just four P.E. teachers in the state to receive the $10,000 award from the governor’s office. A total of about 300 schools, including three in Escambia County, participated in the Governor’s Fitness Challenge.
“We are ecstatic at that thought of getting more equipment to motivate these students to achieve their best physically,” Coach Mac said. “We love them and always want to do what is best for them.”
Byrneville Principal Mrs. Dee Wolfe-Sullivan is a huge supporter of physical fitness. Since becoming principal at Byrneville, she has made P.E. a daily activity for students. She also encourages wellness in students and staff, including offering Jazzercise for school staff. She has even done Jazzercise routines with the students.
Coach Mac, who also is a huge supporter of staying fit and well, encourages students to commit to exercising and tries to motivate them daily.
He received the check from Gov. Crist at the signing ceremony for Senate Bill 610 expanding physical education at the elementary and middle school levels at all Florida schools.
Proposed by Senator Lee Constantine and co-sponsored by Representative Chris Dorworth, Senate Bill 610 requires middle schools to offer students in grades six through eight one class period per day of physical education for one semester, beginning in the 2009-10 school year. Additionally, the bill expands current requirements to include physical education for students in grade six who are enrolled in a school with one or more elementary grades (K-5). These elementary students must participate in at least 30 consecutive minutes of physical activity per day.
“This legislation demonstrates Florida’s commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles in every young Floridian at an early age,” Gov. Crist said. “By emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, we can teach these students how to make smart choices about exercise that will improve their health throughout their lives.”
The Governor’s Fitness Challenge was an eight-week program that provided guidance and incentives to schools in helping boost physical fitness for children.
Pictured above: Byrneville Elementary School’s James “Coach Mac” McDaniel receiving $10,000 check from Florida Governor Charlie Crist. Pictured below: Byrneville Principal Dee Wolfe-Sullivan and James “Coach Mac” McDaniel with a $10,000 check for P.E. equipment from the governor.
Nursing Home Throws Birthday Party
June 4, 2008
Century Care Center recently held a birthday party for all their residents recently.
Residents enjoyed a birthday party complete with cake, gifts and songs from the Gospel Lighthouse Academy. Several residents and volunteers were also recognized for their contributions at Century Care Center.
The “Sew ‘N So” club (pictured below) was honored for its contributions to the residents. They hand make activity pillows for the the residents to encourage tactile stimulation. They also make bags for the wheelchairs and walkers.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Carver/Century Class of 2008 Graduates Amid Uncertain Future For School
May 30, 2008
The eighth grade students at Carver/Century K-8 School graduated with a bit of uncertainty Thursday night, not knowing if they would be the last class ever to complete middle school at Carver/Century.
“We are going through some hard times right now,” Century Mayor Freddie McCall said about the fight to keep the school open. The Escambia County School Board has discussed closing the school, possibly as early as this fall.
” You can continue to support this school,” McCall told the graduates as he encouraged them to help invited back students that have left Carver/Century for other schools.
McCall, a 1959 graduate of Century High School, also offered the students words of encouragement as they move forward from Carver/Century.
“The groundwork has been laid in this school,” the mayor said, “and you can succeed in whatever you make up your mind to do.”
“We are the graduating class of 2008 from Carver/Century,” honor student Melanie Foust told her fellow students with pride as she reminded them of the good times they have had as Blackcats. “All of my teachers have taught me things that I’ll use for years to come.”
Assistant Principal Andy Gott presented a picture of Student of the Year Logan Brown to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Brown. “They were going to take him out (of Carver/Century) and put him in another school, but they didn’t,” Gott said.
Carver/Century Principal Jeff Garthwaite was unable to attend Thursday night’s eight grade graduation because he was attending his own daughter’s high school graduation,” Gott said.
Click here for a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the graduation.
The Carver/Century Middle School Class of 2008 includes:
- Marquita Allen
- Logan Brown
- Shantia Brown
- Sim Brown
- Mariah Burt
- Na’Keetric Davison
- Andrew Farrow
- Melanie Foust
- Ann Galvan
- Brandon Harigel
- Jessica Hedgepeth
- Talisa Jackson
- Cory King
- Sean Knight
- Montaio Mitchell
- Talisa Presley
- Jacob Sims
- Breanah Taylor
- Nathan Therrell
Pictured above: Honor Student Melanie Foust addresses the Carver/Century Class of 2008 Thursday night. Pictured below: Graduates presented a single rose to their parents or guardians. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
NWE Crowns Brianna Parker Queen
May 27, 2008
Brianna Parker was crowned the 2008 Baseball Queen at Bradberry Park Monday afternooon. The girls sold votes for a penny each, with a portion of the proceeds to sponsor the park and a portion to the Drew’s Field project.
First place went to Erica Wiggins.
The girls worked very hard to raise money, and the event was quite a success. The girls range in age from five to 11.
Participating were (pictured below, L-R): Erica Wiggins, Memory Peebles, Liberty Peebles Gabrielle Peebles, Queen Brianna Parker, McKenzie Moorer, Ansleigh Maholovich and Jalyn Bodiford.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Photos by Ramona Preston for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pen Wheels Tries Again; Holds Fishing Rodeo For Disabled
May 25, 2008
Call it the 34th and half annual Pen Wheels Fiesta of Five Flags Fishing Rodeo.
When the annual fishing rodeo for the disabled was first help on May 3, it did not just rain; it poured, putting a quick end to the event. It was the only rain out in the history of the event.
So organizers decide to try again Saturday, and they had perfect weather.
“We got rained out last time, and may people were sad about that,” Pen Wheels Vice President Pearline McLendon told NorthEscambia.com. “I’m so glad we are back here today. It is just so beautiful here.”
“It was organized to give disabled people a chance to get out,” said McLendon. “Many of these people have never fished before. This is just one way to get them out of their houses and the nursing homes into the community.”
Over the 34 year history of the fishing rodeo, it has been held at locations ranging from Ft. Pickens to the Three Mile Bridge in Pensacola. Since 2001, it has been held at Jantz’s Catfish Pond on South Highway 99, just off Highway 97.
“Jantz just does us right,” Pauline said. “I can’t say enough nice things about him. We never want to leave!”
Dozens of volunteers stood ready to help the disabled fish. They baited hooks, tossed a line and offered words of friendly encouragement. Many of the volunteers were from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
About 60 disabled people were registered in Saturday’s fishing rodeo. They were from around the area, including Pensacola and Century. Several residents from the Century Care Center participated.Everything, including lunch, in Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization.
While Jantz Catfish Pond is not open for public fishing, nearby ponds belonging to Steve Hiebert (Mr. Steve’s Sweet Corn) are open for public fishing. For more information, call 327-4020.
For a complete photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above and below: The Pen Wheel Fishing Rodeo for the disabled Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Angel Mitchell Is Crowned Junior Miss EWMS
May 24, 2008
Miss Angel Mitchell was crowned Junior Miss EWMS tonight at Ernest Ward Middle School. First runner-up was Miss Ashley Cunningham. Second runner-up was Miss Cheyenne Godwin and third runner-up was Miss Ariel Holland.
Miss Angel Mitchell, Junior Miss EWMS
Angel has been a member of the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleading squad for two years and has made the cut for next year’s squad as well. Angel was named the 2007-2008 All-Star Cheerleader. Shi is also on the track team and has been for two years. She is on the newspaper committee and is a member of the yearbook staff. She also participates in the Future Farmers of America program. Angel participates in community theater and is an active member of her church’s youth drama program. She received Superior Awards for this year’s District Fine Arts Awards in vocal, puppetry, human video, short story and children’s book. Angel is also a recipient for the Florida Take Stock Scholarship. Her hobbies include singing, cooking, dancing and modeling. Her future plans are to attend Florida State University Culinary Arts School and open her own catering business.
Miss Ashley Cunningham, First runner-up
Ashley is a member of the Student Government Association and a member of the Honor Society. She is also a member of the Ernest Ward Swim Team. Ashley is a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club and had won Steer of the Year in both 2005 and 2007. Her hobbies include sports, riding four-wheelers, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family. Her future plans are to graduate high school and attend college to become a dentist.
Miss Cheyenne Godwin, Second runner-up
Cheyenne is a cheerleader and participates in the yearbook and newspaper staff. She is also a member of the Future Farmers of America. Her hobbies include cheerleading, modeling, acting, dance, swing dancing, shopping, talking on the phone, drawing, theatre and gymnastics. Her future plans are to become a model, actress and to study pediatrics.
Miss Ariel Holland, Third runner up
Ariel is currently a member of the school cheerleading squad and swim team and has participated in both for two years. Ariel also participates in the Northwest Escambia Little League softball program and is a member of the “Lady Cats”. She is also an active member of Bratt Baptist Church. Ariel’s hobbies include swimming, softball, cheerleading and spending time with family and friends. In the future Ariel plans to attend college and cheer.
Pictured above: Junior Miss EWMS Angel Mitchell. Pictured below (L-R): First runner-up Ashley Cunningham, Junior Miss EWMS Angle Mitchell, second runner-up Cheyenne Godwin and third runner-up Ariel Holland. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
NHS Class Of 08 Senior Honors Night
May 24, 2008
Nearly a million dollars in scholarships were handed out to seniors in the Northview High School Class of 2008 Friday night, along with numerous achievement awards.
Scholarships awarded included a $352,000 full four year scholarship from the United States Naval Academy to Colton Kawamura.