NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — Irons Mill Farmstead in New Wilmington, Lawrence County, has opened a themed corn maze paying tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library.
A portion of proceeds from the maze will be donated to support the childhood literacy program.
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The tribute marks the 31st anniversary of Parton’s Imagination Library, which was founded in 1995. The organization provides free, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5 to encourage early childhood reading habits.
The Imagination Library operates as the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(three) nonprofit organization. Since its establishment, the program has distributed more than 300 million free books to children across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.
On a monthly basis, the organization mails more than 3 million age-appropriate books directly to enrolled homes at no cost to participating families.
Country music legend Parton, who founded the Imagination Library, originally established the initiative in her hometown of Sevier County, Tenn., inspired by her father’s inability to read and write.
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Parton died at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
Parton previously shared her support for the national corn maze initiative benefiting her literacy program.
“When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true,” Parton said in a recorded message. “I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”
The program relies on a shared partnership structure where funding and administrative support are split between Parton, The Dollywood Foundation and local community partners.
“I’m grateful for the support of my Imagination Library and am excited to invite people out to get lost in this year’s country music corn maze for a little fun, laughter and a real good reason to get lost,” Parton said.
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Located in Amish Country near Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Irons Mill Farmstead has hosted seasonal events in New Wilmington since 2012. In addition to the corn maze, the venue offers more than 40 family attractions and hosts weddings on its grounds.
Irons Mill Farmstead opens Friday, Aug. 28, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The location will remain open Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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