Hail Damages Fritzler Corn Maze, Crops
LA SALLE, Colo. (CBS4) - The popular Fritzler Corn Maze suffered damage Tuesday due to hail.
Glen Fritzler said their pumpkin patch was leveled by the hail, as well as the onions that were due to be harvested Wednesday morning.
This is the worst damage the Fritzler family has seen to their pumpkin crop in 19 years.
"Your stomach turns upside down but you're so helpless... there's just absolutely nothing you can do," said Fritzler. "The pumpkins were just getting ready to start."
The wheat crop was spared because it has already been harvested.
"It doesn't take long to do this kind of damage. Now this storm, it did not move it just stayed stationary," said Fritzler.
The farm has a hail cannon that sends a sound wave into the storm and stops hail. This storm came in sideways and couldn't be averted.
"At least we got the corn maze," said Fritzler. "I personally start thinking about good things and not let myself really realize what we just lost."
The Fritzler Corn Maze is a traditional destination of autumn in Colorado and known for the intricate maze patterns built in the corn each year. They open for the season at the end of September.
A consultant will tour the farm to get a better idea of the amount of damage caused by the storm.