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Bruneau corn maze honors defenders of freedom
Just east of the entrance to Bruneau Dunes State Park is the a-MAZE-ing site of Quey's Maze & Pumpkin Patch. Here, visitors can wind their way through a corn maze owned by Quey and Merleen Johns.
Although visitors will only see the maze from ground level, it is from the air that this amazing piece of artwork can be truly appreciated (see photo at left).
This is the first year the Johns have attempted to create a corn maze. The design was conceptualized by Quey and Merleen and then submitted to The Maize Company, which designs corn mazes for its members. Once the drawing was approved by the Johns, the company then created a grid pattern, laid out in 50-square-foot sections.
Using flags as markers, Quey transferred the grids from the drawing to his cornfield and set to work clearing the pathways. Using an herbicide, shovels and finally a rototiller, Quey and a few out-of-work farm workers got busy creating the pathways.
It took two weeks to complete.
It is the farm's close proximity to Mountain Home Air Force base that inspired the design, consisting of the U.S. Air Force Emblem, the National Guard emblem, a fighter jet, and the words "Defending Freedom," all surrounded by clouds and mountains.
The Johns live in the flight pattern for Mountain Home Air Force Base, and the maze is situated in such a way that pilots returning to the base will be able to view the maze at its correct angle, Merleen explained.
Creation of a corn maze begins early in the planting season. The corn is planted in a criss-cross pattern to create a dense growth of corn. Carving out the pathways begins when the corn is only about 12-inches high.
A few weeks ago, the Johns family started cutting weeds and hacking away the plants' side leaves to form straight walls of cornstalks in preparation for the Sept. 20 opening of the 12-acre maze, the largest of its kind in Idaho.
Besides walking the maze, visitors can pick their own pumpkins from two large pumpkin patches, take a hayride, play in the "corn (grain) box," and climb a haystack. There also is a straw bale maze for younger children.
For the remainder of September, the maze will be open from 4-11 p.m. on Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
October hours for Thursdays are the same, but the Friday and Saturday hours will extend to midnight. Activities do not take place on Sundays. On Halloween there will be special offers. Night visitors to the maze are encouraged to bring their own flashlights.
Costs for walking the maze are: adults, $7; children 4-12, $5; and children 3 and under, free.
Weekday tours are available for schools at reduced rates and each child receives a free pumpkin, a hayride and classroom fun farm facts brochure. Discounts for military, senior citizens and group rates also are available.
Cost of a hayride is: adults, $5; children 4-12, $2, and children 3 and under, free.
To reach the maze travel take Highway 51 south from Mountain Home and turn on Highway 78 towards Bruneau Dunes State Park. The John's farm is located just east of the state park entrance on the south side of the road.
For additional information call the Johns at 366-7734 or log onto queysmaze.com.