Farm's Plan For Later Ice Skating Rink Hours Has Neighbors Concerned In Stanislaus County

STANISLAUS COUNTY (CBS13) — Plans to keep an ice skating rink open late for the holidays at what started as a pumpkin patch and corn maze have neighbors up in arms.

Neighbors on Daubenberger Road say they moved out to the country for peace and quiet, but for three months out of the year, they say the farm across the street becomes the rowdy neighbor.

It was a few years back when Ram Farms started hosting a pumpkin patch and corn maze drawing big crowds. Three years ago, it added an ice rink for the winter holiday.

Neighbors opposed to the farm's events didn't want to speak on camera, because they've been called humbugs by the many neighbors who support Ram's events.

Owner Karen Macedo wants the neighbors to like the farm. She admits customers parked in the neighborhood last year when its parking lot got muddy. She has sand on standby and parking ushers this year. They also plan to add an ice tent to keep the noise down.

"We're doing all of this because we really want to be good neighbors and that everyone who comes has a good time. And that the people across the street, that we're not infringing on their property," she said.

But some neighbors aren't OK with the farm's request to open its ice rink the week before Thanksgiving and keep it open until 10 p.m. during the week, citing worries over noise, garbage and traffic.

Stanislaus County has yet to make a decision on the amended permit.