Goebel Farms, a family-run farm in Evansville, has become the center of an online dispute after designing its 2026 corn maze as a portrait of Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.
The farm posted images of the maze on its website, and the design was first reported locally by Tristate Homepage on Wednesday. In a social media post explaining the tribute, the farm’s leaders wrote: “Our 2026 corn maze honors Charlie Kirk and his belief that disagreement should lead to conversation—not division or violence. We hope it encourages people to listen, ask questions, and keep talking, even when we disagree.”
The maze drew dozens of negative Google reviews, according to Tristate Homepage, which reported that the farm’s owners responded by saying the reviews had been reported to Google for violating its policies.
In a follow-up post, Goebel Farms offered more context for its decision, writing: “Charlie was killed while publicly expressing and debating his convictions. In a country founded on the principles of free speech, no person should lose his or her life for participating in political discussion. People are free to challenge ideas, criticize them and reject them—but violence must never become the response to speech. That is central to the meaning behind our maze.”
The farm added: “Goebel Farms is a family business, not a political organization. Our hope remains simple: that Americans can speak openly, disagree honestly and challenge one another’s ideas without hatred or violence—and that our community can continue treating its members with dignity and respect.”
Supporters respond online
As word of the criticism spread, a number of social media users came out in support of the farm. One commenter wrote, “People are just f-ing awful in this world! This is where I live at!! Love this farm SO much!! I will definitely be going through the Charlie Kirk maze this year!”
Another said, “Looks like we’re doing a road trip to Goebel Farms in Southern Indiana this fall! We [heart] Charlie Kirk and will support this farm!” A third user predicted the farm “should prepare for an onslaught of supporters traveling from around the country…to their farm.”
The dispute over the Vanderburgh County farm’s maze reflects the broader divide that has followed Kirk’s death, which drew mourning from supporters and celebration from some critics online.
