Get lost in Reba McEntire's eyes (literally) at Milton corn maze

Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to identify the timeline of when the corn crop is shaped into the maze.

Country music star Reba McEntire has been a celebrity in the country music world ever since releasing her debut single in 1976.

McEntire has achieved more than 50 Top Ten singles, starred in her own successful television show and on Broadway. Her music still resonates today, “I’m a Survivor,” which received a new wave of popularity after going viral in a 2021 TikTok trend that put a comedic twist on the 2001 hit decades later.

Now, you don’t even need to leave Santa Rosa County to get up close and personal with the star starting Sept. 30. Sweet Season Farms in Milton has constructed an 8-acre corn maze featuring a portrait of her face. Once open, the maze will run every weekend until Nov. 5.

Why Reba?

McEntire, a Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood bowl member, has won over 50 awards that she has taken home from the Academy of Country Music awards, American Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, GRAMMY Awards and Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. She has earned 35 career No.1 singles and more than 58 million albums sold worldwide.

Milton’s Sweet Season Farms is one of the 40-plus farms spanning 24 states that are nodding to the famed artist in support of her new lifestyle book, "Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots," that will be released next month.

“While l admit being in a corn maze is one of the more unique things I've ever been invited to be a part of, I couldn't be more excited to be involved with some of the things that matter most to me - farming, family, and friends,” McEntire wrote in a statement. “Growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma, I know how important agriculture is and I love being involved with something that brings more people out to farms across the country for good wholesome fun!”

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Sweet Season Farms owner Trent Matthews said that when asked to join in on the nationwide corn maze effort back in the spring, he didn’t hesitate. Not only did he think it would be a good opportunity for the community, but is also a fan of McEntire fan himself, his favorite song being “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”

However, the jury is still out on whether McEntire will be making an appearance to stroll Milton’s maze herself.

"That's probably the biggest question we've had since the week we released it," Matthews said with a giggle. "She hasn't reached out about coming down, but it would be really cool if she did."

How the magic happens

The farm has hosted a different themed maze for the past 15 years, usually with a local flair tied into the design, whether it be from the Blue Angels to pro golfer Bubba Watson. This year, they were able to appeal to a national audience as they began designing their take on a McEntire-themed maze.

"We just got to sit down, my wife and I, and we just kind of started sketching out ideas just within the confines of the field and we just decided to go with her face and her name," he said.

Matthews’ staff begins shaping the maze once the corn crop planted in a grid is seven days old. Drone shots help ensure that the design is shaping out, and it’s always a pleasant surprise to see the aerial shot debuting the finished product, he said.

Visitors will be able to start walking the maze on Sept. 30 for a six-week-run. Those who participate will also be entered in a competition to meet McEntire face-to-face, for real, in Nashville at Ryman's Auditorium on Nov. 5.

One winner from each farm will also receive a signed copy of McEntire's book, which is being released on Oct. 10.

There will also be over 25 other activities on-site for the family to enjoy.

More updates and information can be found on the Sweet Season Farms website and Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Sweet Season Farms launches Reba McEntire themed corn maze this month