FARMINGTON — Farmer Herbert “Bussie” York was busy directing traffic in one of his fields at the Sandy River farm. Wearing a T-shirt with the words “Corn Cop” on the back, York pointed the way for kids and parents to his 13-acre corn maze, or another direction to hop on a cow train, play in a corn box, pet real farm animals, jump off bales of hay or pick from thousands of pumpkins dotting a field nearby.

Welcome to the third annual Great Corn Maize off U.S. Route 2 three miles south of town.

The seasonal maize is open every weekend until Oct. 30 and weather permitting is packed with families.

Seen from the air this year’s maze is a salute to Maine farmers urging their support. In the center are twisting trails of fruits and vegetables under the name Hannaford, sponsor of the 2011 maze.

York seems to enjoy the labor-intensive work as much as the kids do.

“I get a lot of satisfaction seeing people have a good time,” York said. “This opens up the farm to allow people to see what we do and get educated and enjoy themselves.”

York added that he also employs 10 people for the event. Judy Bushey walked through the pumpkin patch with her grandchildren and agreed with York. “We have come here every year since it began.”

The maze is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 4 to 9 and children 3 and younger are free. For appointments for groups during the week or nighttime events, call 778-3835. There will be a haunted maze on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.


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