Corn maze opens for second year, more events planned

FARMINGTON – Sandy River Farms has created a bigger and better cornstalk maze to usher in the fall season, and is planning a new set of activities with an eye toward bringing more people to the area.

The “Amazing Maize” consists of corridors cut into a 13-acre cornfield at Sandy River Farms, located roughly three miles east of downtown Farmington on Route 2. The winding passages, when seen from above, spell out “Sandy River Farms” and the Hannaford logo, with the grocery chain standing in as a major sponsor for the event. The maze also bears the message “Supporting Maine Farmers,” in keeping with a major goal of Sandy River Farm’s owner, Bussie York, who spends much of his time helping sustain and expand the county’s agricultural traditions.

The Maize opens for business on Sept. 18, and will operate from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on weekends until Oct. 31. The close-out event will once again be the Farmington Fire Department Auxiliary’s “Haunted Maize,” which will be scaring maze-goers on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

York said that several thousand people went through the fluttering cornstalks last year, despite several cancelled weekends due to heavy rain. He’s hoping for even more this year.

The maze was developed by The MAiZE, a Utah-based company that helps farmers put on their own corn mazes.

Other activities, both new attractions and returning favorites, will be set up near the entrance of the Maize. The “corn box,” filled with dried shell-corn kernels, will be available for young children to play in, and the pumpkin patch will be open for business once again, at 30 cents a pound. Other events include the “Ladies Skillet Toss,” and concessions available on site. New this year is the “Cow Train,” which will wind its way through the festivities.

The cost to enter the Maize is $8 for an adult, or $4 for children under the age of 10. Children under the age of 3 may enter free of charge. The cost to enter the Haunted Maize will be $6 for everyone.  Children up to age 12 must be accompanied by a parent.  

The Maize is sponsored by Hannaford, in addition to CMD Power Systems, Shiretown Insurance Agency and Susan Terhune, local State Farm agent.