By SUSAN BLOWER
Indiana Correspondent

KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. — You might be a redneck if ... you enjoy belly-flopping into a muddy pond or you covet the “Redneck Queen” title. You can find out by playing Redneck Games at Boondocks Farms this Saturday, Sept. 25.

The games, which have gained in popularity each year, are part of the annual Country Fest at Boondocks in Knights-town, 45 minutes east of Indianapolis.

“We all have a little redneck in us. Let’s just take off the barriers and have fun. Last year a commodities broker won the ‘queen’ title. She’s coming back to crown this year’s winner,” said Greg Hochstedler, Boondocks owner.

Other activities are scheduled including a Barbeque Cook-off, an eight-acre corn maze, haunted trails and hayrides.

The farm spans 160 acres, including hilly woods, pumpkin and vegetable plots, hay fields, play and open areas. Children and children at heart can play 3-D archery (with 3-D targets) and 10-hole disc golf throughout the fall season, which lasts until Oct. 30.

Hochstedler said his mile-long haunted trail is unique, not just for its woodsy setting. About 35-40 “characters” interact with the tour groups. Their message in the end features a special appearance by a Bible character who explains that “life is scary” but we need “fear no evil.”

Many church youth groups have walked the trail, as well as many others, he said, and the reactions are varied.

“We’ve had ladies crying, others saying ‘I can’t believe you ended it this way,’ and young people engage the characters with questions. We get all kinds of reactions,” Hochstedler said.

Hayrides through roller-coaster hill, haunted wooded trails and the corn maze are featured every weekend through October.

CSA, not CSI
This year Hochstedler expanded his operation to include Community Suppor-ted Agriculture, which allows people to buy into a community garden, ensuring a box of healthy, fresh produce each week.

Hochstedler is pleased with people’s interest but not with this season’s weather.

“We have 50 members. But the weather has been a challenge. In the spring it flooded, and now it’s so dried out,” he said.

The corn maze is planted late in the season so that it will be green for the fall festivities. The corn is harvested for silage. Despite the drought, the corn is still fairly green.

Handcrafted hardwood furniture is for sale via the website, while unique handcrafted wood signs and a large roughhewn cross add a homespun touch to the grounds. Farm produce is for sale at the log cabin country store.

Spring and summer stay busy with children’s camps and weddings. Boondocks has hosted large July 4 celebrations, complete with fireworks and live bands on the outdoor stage. Activities at the farm wind down in November.

Hochstedler has plans for future development of his agritourism.

Ball State University discovered Native American grounds and 75 artifacts on his property dating back to 3000-1500 BC, Hochstedler said. When he is able to build an enclosed structure, Ball State will allow him to showcase the artifacts.

Farm pizza
His next project involves developing a farm pizza, in which different elements of the farm are shown in circular slices to depict what goes into a pizza.

For example, hogs and cattle represent the meat, dairy cows the cheese, wheat the crust, soybeans the oil, tomatoes the sauce, herbs the spices, etc. At the end of the tour, Boondocks will serve pizza.

The agribusiness’s primary focus is educational. Hochstedler is the farm manager of the Boondocks educational foundation. His non-profit farm, with the support of community sponsors, has hosted school groups at low or no cost. His programs strive to meet state standards for educators.

Hochstedler grew up on a farm next to Boondocks, which was an undeveloped woods in which he played.

An experienced entrepreneur, Hoch-stedler decided to develop the property after talking to the Henry County extension agent about six years ago.

“I thought, ‘what a better way to live on a farm.’ It sounded wholesome and fun,” he said.

For information or to schedule a tour, visit www.boondocksfarms.com or contact Hochstedler at 765-345-2020.

The Country Fest is Saturday, 10 a.m. To 11 p.m. Cost is $5 for hayrides, $7 for the corn maze, $8 for the haunted woods trail, or $15 for the daily pass to all three events. Children under age five are free. Parking is free.