by Chelsea Dill
Twenty years ago, Larry Davis, co-owner of Davis’ Farmland together with his father John and brother Doug, got the idea that people might care about visiting a farm and farm animals. That idea has culminated into thousands of visitors to Sterling each year to visit Davis’ Farmland and Davis’ Mega Maze. It started with a small petting zoo. “Kids want to play with nature and be with animals,” says Larry Davis.
By 1996, Davis’ Farmland opened its doors and fences. “It was leap of faith because there’s a big difference between the Farmland petting zoo and the current Davis Farmland Children’s Discovery Farm,” he adds.
Davis’ Farmland is geared towards kids aged12 and under, and provides hands-on experience and one-on-one interactions for young visitors to learn about farm animals. More than 350 animals inhabit the property, and it’s considered to be the largest private sanctuary of endangered farm animals in North America. This year marks not only Farmland’s 20th anniversary, but also the 170th year of the Davis family farm, celebrating seven generations in agriculture.
While Farmland celebrates two decades, Davis’ Mega Maze, once again designed by expert British maze designer Adrian Fisher, hit a grand-slam this year. On August 30, the Davis family welcomed David “Big Papi” Ortiz to the Mega Maze. The theme of this year’s maze is to honor the legendary Red Sox player, through a partnership between Davis’ Mega Maze and ’47, a sports lifestyle brand based in Boston. This year’s maze depicts a cornfield portrait of Ortiz and the words, “Thanks, Big Papi,” as part of a tribute to David Ortiz’s charity work and impending retirement.
Ortiz was clearly delighted by the event, and delighted fans with his lighthearted remarks and sportsmanship. “It’s an honor to be here,” he said. “I really like corn.” He later opened the maze by taking a ceremonial swing at corn stalks held by Larry and Doug Davis, hitting an ear of corn out into the crowd.
Ortiz concluded his visit by taking a helicopter ride for an aerial view of his likeness in the Mega Maze before heading back to Boston for Red Sox game against Tampa Bay.
Whether guests visit Davis’ Farmland or the Mega Maze, the family knows that the company’s success is that everyone, staff and visitors alike, enjoy being there. “The guests are just as responsible for the success of Farmland as we are,” says Larry Davis. Doug Davis agrees. “We’ve got so many people to thank for Farmland’s success, but one of the main things we’ve done from square one is to listen to our guests. They’re the smartest people in the world. They tell us exactly what they want and need. That’s why we’re out here working every day.”
Reflecting on the past two decades, Larry Davis looks back on how far the company has come. “This anniversary feels really special,” he says. “A lot of people said we wouldn’t make it.” But the Davis family’s imagination, perseverance, passion, and farm spirit continues to reap a harvest of fun every season at Davis’ Farmland and Mega Maze.
Davis’ Farmland and Mega Maze is located at 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. For information about hours and events, visit davisfarmland.com, or call 978-422-6666.
Photo by Chelsea Dill: David Ortiz addresses fans at the Mega Maze.
See here for video.