by Paula Kully –
Do you remember the scene from the movie The Shining where Jack Nicholson’s creepy character is chasing his small son through a giant maze with an axe? The dimly-lit, snow-covered path full of unpredictable twists and turns kept the audience on the edge of their seats as they realized the little boy could easily have gotten lost or worse, end up trapped at a dead end in the maze. Luckily, it was not the boy who got lost but rather the deranged father.
Ever since The Shining and that scene hit the movie theatres back in 1980, mazes have taken on an entirely new meaning for many people, and in particular, corn mazes have become a favourite Halloween activity. However, the world’s first cornfield maze wasn’t created until 1993 by Don Frantz and Adrian Fisher at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania.
Here on the Saanich Peninsula, we have the Pendray Farm Corn Maze going into its fourth year of operation. It attracts over 20,000 visitors and is the largest corn maze on Vancouver Island, covering 15 acres, consisting of three separate mazes with over 10 km of trails. Once inside, each maze includes a corresponding game with one created just for children. As well, there is a one-kilometre walking trail around the perimeter for people who do not want to risk getting lost. The farm also offers a concession, a 12- by 12-foot “corn box” (think sandbox) filled with five tons of kernels, and a barrel train pulled by a tractor for kids.
The Pendray family are pioneers who have been farming in North Saanich for five generations. They raise both dairy and beef cattle as well as grow hay and corn. Sarah Pendray was first encouraged to create a corn maze in 2015 when the farm underwent a considerable downsize that resulted in an excess cornfield. At the time, a friend made the suggestion to turn the field into a corn maze. Despite some initial reservations, his enthusiasm for the project soon became contagious, and the planning began.
As might be expected, creating a giant maze is no easy undertaking. It involves the work of Manager Sarah Pendray, artists, and between 10 to 15 staff when the maze is open. The process begins with seed selection, which is based on the corn variety’s ability to grow a strong stalk and remain green into the fall.
Following that, the design is determined. Each year, the farm creates a new theme, something they feel is representative of the community. Last year, in honour of Canada 150, the design included a hockey player and bear. This year’s theme is “we love farming.” It was chosen because the Pendrays feel farming is important and they like to share that passion with the community.
Pendray Farms enlists the services of Idaho based “MazePlay” to bring their vision to life. The company takes care of everything from providing a rendering of the maze concept design to creating the maze. This year, for the first time, the maze design was planted in May rather than cut into the fully-grown cornfield. This means less seed is going to waste as the maze grew into being with the paths already in place.
Once complete, the maze may look like nothing more than a big field of corn with paths cut through it, but when you see it from above, there is a clear, accurate image. So, the question remains, “how is it done?”
Sarah explains: “The actual creation of the maze on the ground is somewhat of a trade secret, but it is done with a GPS and tractor.”
If you are planning a trip to the Pendray Farm Corn Maze this Halloween season, Sarah recommends bringing mud boots and water. Admission is $12 for 13 and older, $5 for children three to 12, and free for children under two. The maze is open to the public until Sunday, October 28 on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
