JESSICA MERRIFIELD / Scroll
A sign marks the fall season with the corn maze at the Riot Zone in Rigby, Idaho. It will be open through Halloween.

Mazes sprout up as Halloween season kicks off

Tina Bosen BOS05003@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

You can boil it, you can grill it and you can even get lost in it. Brett Herbst lost his whole life in it when he created his company, The MaiZe. What is it? Corn!

The MaiZe was created 10 years ago by Herbst, an Idaho native. He started the business first in Utah, then in Idaho. Herbst and his crew now design and create corn mazes across the world. Many maze goers enjoy the activity in the fall, but for him, it is year-round.

Mazes come in every shape and size, as do the people that visit them. The closest MaiZe to campus, “Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch” is in Idaho Falls near Bisch’s RV center.

Heather Wood, a junior from Poulsbo, Wash., loves corn mazes. “They’re just lots of fun,” Wood said. So far she hasn’t made it to Idaho Falls, but looks forward to it.

“I think my Home Evening group is planning on going and that will be very fun,” Wood said. She has visited one in Washington and loved it. “We raced our friends and my group kicked trash.”

The MaiZes are designed in detail. This year, “Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch” displays an alien with the title “We’re Back.” Nancy Andrus and her family own The MaiZe, which includes many other attractions. Herbst and his crew work with people who own corn fields; their job is to design and create. MaiZe-goers can enjoy a hayride, pumpkin fest, family fun yard that includes games and activities. For the kids, a cow train or tricycle ride through the maze.

The MaiZe will be open beginning October 16 until Halloween. Hours are Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday by reservation only.

Prices are $6 for ages 12 and up; $4 for ages 6 through 11; ages 5 and under are free. There are special rates for groups of 15 or more. Two Home Evening groups can get in for $3 per person and reservations are required.

Visiting a MaiZe may seem a little corny, but Brett Herbst made his career out of providing wholesome fun for the family. For group reservations call 208-200-6293.