From below, it looks like any other corn field. From above, it’s an intricate maze. The Lethbridge Corn Maze is open to the public for the 2016 season as it heads into its 17th straight year of business.
Owner Theo Slingerland said the labour of love is worth it as southern Albertans continue to enjoy the autumn tradition.
“More people keep coming out and enjoying it,” Slingerland said.
“Why stop a good thing if you can keep it going? And, I always enjoy making new mazes. It’s one of my greatest challenges.”
Each year, a new maze is cut into the corn, all designed by Slingerland. Previous designs have included a spider web and a tribute to Stars Air Ambulance. This year’s design celebrates 20 years of the two-dollar Canadian coin: the Toonie.
“When we did the Loonie, it was the 25th anniversary. So, we looked at that and all the other anniversaries that were out there and the Toonie was one of them,” Slingerland said.
The corn maze has evolved to much more than just a simple path in the field; it now includes a petting zoo, complete with pigs and friendly goats.
Since its opening, the Slingerland family has being using profits from the maze to help others across the globe.
“Right from the start in 2000 we started sponsoring children through World Vision,” Slingerland said. “Ever since that time, we’ve had four children. I mean the children have changed over the years of course, and they are in different countries. But, we have committed to do that ever year.”
However, even the creator himself said he has gotten lost in the maze once or twice.
“I can get lost too myself but I won’t admit it too quick.”
While this year’s maze has only been open for a few weeks and there is still plenty of time left to explore it, Slingerland is already looking into next year’s design, hoping to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
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