FARMINGTON – During the coming weekends, thousands of people are expected to try to navigate their way through a baffling maze of paths in a 12-acre cornfield.
For the 6th year, Sandy River Farms is hosting its Amazing Corn MAiZE at 755 Farmington Falls Road, beginning on Saturday, Sept. 27. Weather permitting, the maze will be open weekends through October.
This year the MAiZE is featuring the Franklin County Animal Shelter’s logo as its design centerpiece, with a portion of each admission to be donated to the shelter, said Bussie York, co-owner of Sandy River Farms.
In past years, the event, held over five weekends, has drawn between 4,000 and 5,000 people.
The challenge is to wind your way along a series of paths-3 miles’ worth-that cut through a crowded field of 10-foot-high corn stalks. There are two separate mazes, one shorter than the other, but both feature those frustrating dead ends, of course.
“That’s what makes it really interesting,” York said chuckling. “You come to a dead end and have to retreat and find another way.” For most people, solving the puzzle by finding the one exit, usually takes about an hour. It all depends on how fast you walk, he said.
The field was planted in May. The maze, designed by The MAiZE, a Utah-based company that helps farmers put on their own corn mazes, was built by cutting paths in June while the corn was just knee high. The maze design has been different each year. Last year, the University of Maine at Farmington’s 150th year anniversary was the maze’s centerpiece design. This year, the animal shelter’s logo to highlight their work it does to provide for abandoned and homeless animals.
Besides the maze, there are many other activities for all ages. A big pumpkin patch for pumpkin pickers is just a free hayride away. Or take an old-fashioned oxcart ride. Kids can take a spin on the cow train or play in the corn box. A petting zoo of barnyard critters will also be part of the fun.
Family fun while exercising, along with providing a farm connection with the public, are what make the corn MAiZE a good day of activity in autumn, York said.
The MAiZE will be open on weekends starting on Saturday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 26. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $8 for ages 10 and up, $4 for ages 3-10, and free for kids 3 and under. A ride on the cow train is $2 but everything else is free, York said. For more information, call 207-778-3835 or visit their webpage www.sandyriverfarms.com.
I like that the shelter is going to benefit this year ,they have had a rough go of it lately. Nice to help them out!
Nice corn maize, thanks to Brenda and Bussie for giving a portion of their proceeds to the animal shelter.
Love the corn Maize! My grandson always has a great time.Thank-You Sandy River Farms for making Autumn more fun. :)