Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
Hello, Hello. Today we're going to be talking about very
fun topic, something that I loved to do when my
children were small, and that is go through cor mazes
or find a cormez. So today let's start by diving
into the history of cor mases. Whether you're a first
(00:27):
time or seasoned maze explorer, there's something about these sprawling,
intricate labyrinths that capture everyone. Today we'll explore the history
of corn mazes, how they're made, what to do if
you get lost, and much more so. Grab your compass
and let's get started. But before we dive into the fund,
(00:49):
let's take a moment to explore the history of these fun,
big mazes, which actually have roots stretching back thousands of years.
The concept of mazes isn't new. In fact, humans have
been fascinated with labyrinths and mazes for centuries. The most
famous early maze comes from the Greek mythology, the Labyrinth
(01:14):
of Crete, built by Dedalius, where the minotaur was said
to dwell. But these ancient mazes were often symbolic, used
for religious rituals or as metaphors for spiritual journeys. In
Europe during Middle Ages, the labyrinths were carved into the
floors of cathedrals, representing the paths to enlightenment. Enlightenment for pilgrims.
(01:40):
So mazes have long been associated with journeys and challenges,
both literal and metaphorical, but the modern corn maze is
much more recent, and it began in the United States
in the early nineteen nineties. Nineteen ninety three was the
birth of the corn maze. The first corn maze as
(02:01):
we know it today, was created in Pennsylvania in nineteen
ninety three by Don France and George R. Johnson, who
were looking for a way to boost business at their farm.
They saw an opportunity to turn their cornfields into a fun,
interactive attraction. Their first corn maze was relatively simple, featuring
(02:25):
a winding path with a few dead ends, but it
captured people's imagination. As more farmers caught on, corn mazes
began became a popular form as of agritourism, a way
to diversify income from traditional farming practices. The concept quickly
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spread across the United States, especially in Midwestern states where
corn is a major crop. In the years following, corn
mazes became more complex and created thanks to advancements in technology,
GPS technology, and computer design software allowed maze creators to
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craft intricate patterns, sometimes turning entire fields into massive works
of art. By the late nineteen ninety maze designers included logos, characters,
and even maps of entire cities. As their popularity grew,
(03:30):
corn mazes began to evolve into seasonal attractions, often tied
to Halloween and fall, where they were transformed into haunted
mazes with actors playing ghosts, monsters, and other spooky characters. Today,
corn mazes are a major attraction during the fall months,
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drawing visitors from all over to enjoy a fun, family
friendly challenge. So how are these fund mazes made? Now
that we know how corn mazes came to be, let's
talk about how they're actually made. Planning and creating a
(04:12):
corn maze starts with planning and design. This is where
the real fun begins. Designers use software to map out
intricate paths, patterns, or even images that will be carved
into the cornfield. The design must ensure there's a challenging path,
(04:34):
but still provide a way out for visitors. Once the
design is in place, it's time to plant the corn.
Most corn mazes are made in the spring, with the
corn being planted in neat rows. The taller the corn grows,
the more challenging the maze becomes. Once the corn reaches
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a certain height, it's time time to cut the path. GPS,
guided equipment and mowers wow this is intense are used
to carve out the design, and workers spend hours ensuring
every turn and twist is cut correctly. Before opening the
maze to the public, the paths are tested. They make
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sure there are no dead ends that are too difficult
to navigate, and they check that the design works well
as a functional maze, providing just the right balance of
challenge and fun. So if you're in a chormez and
you get lost, what should you do? Don't forget it's
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all part of the fun, right. But if you get
lost in a coormez, here are a few tips to
keep calm and find your way out. Number one, don't panic.
You're not the first person get lost, and you won't
be the last. Take a deep breath and remember it's
just a maze. Number two, follow the walls. Some people
(06:04):
find it helpful to follow one wall of the maze,
keeping your hand on it as you walk. This might
lead you to the exit. Three, Look for checkpoints. Most
corn mazes have checkpoints where you can take a break
or get a clue to help you along your way.
Number four, Stay calm and ask for help if you
(06:27):
really can't find your way out. Don't hesitate to ask
a staff member for assistance. They're there to help. So
now let's get some into some more fun. Where are
the biggest and most impressive corn mazes found? The cool
Patch Pumpkins Maze located in Dixon, California. This maze holds
(06:50):
the Guinness World Record for the largest corn maze, covering
over sixty acres of land. It's a massive challenge that
has a variety of twists, turns, and dead ends. The
maze at the Cornfield in Dighton, Massachusetts. This maze is
one of the oldest and most complex, offering different levels
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of difficulty for visitors. Knots Scary Farms Corn Maze in
knots Bury Farm in Buena Park, California, offers a haunted
maze that's transformed each Halloween into a terrifying maze complete
with actors and special effects. No thank you, not for me.
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Where to find corn mazes? Number one United States Corn
mazes are most common in states like Iowa, Ohio, Texas, Michigan, California,
and Pennsylvania. These states have large rural areas with farms
perfect for hosting core mazes. In Canada, Ontario and Alberta,
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corn mazes have become a popular fall activity, often paired
with other fun events like pumpkin picking and hay rides.
And United Kingdom and Australia, corn mazes are also growing
in popularity in these countries, particularly during fall months when
(08:20):
agritourism is at its peak. So in conclusion, whether you're
visiting the biggest corn maze in the world or just
enjoying a local farm maze for a fun afternoon, there's
no denying that corn mazes and hay rides have become
a beloved autumn tradition. From the origins as ancient labyrinths
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to their modern role in agritourism and hallowing fun. Corn
mazes offer a fantastic opportunity to get outside, challenge yourself
and your family, and spend quality time with the people
you love and the friends that you love. So go
find a cool corn maze, a hay ride, and some pumpkins.
(09:09):
The next time you find yourself walking through one, take
a moment to appreciate the history and creativity that went
into designing it, and maybe even get a little lost
along the way. Don't forget to visit your local farm
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farmer's market while you're in the corn mazes and purchase
pumpkins and fall flowers so you can support your local farmers.
Our farmers are having a rough time right now and
this will help them to keep providing other fun activities
(09:53):
like things in the spring and Christmas festivals. If you
support them in the