A History of the Edmonton Corn Maze

The Edmonton Corn Maze has become a beloved Edmonton tradition, drawing visitors from across the region for a fun and unique outdoor experience. Here's a look at the history of how it all began:

 

 

Origins and Founding

The story of the Edmonton Corn Maze begins with a spark of inspiration and the entrepreneurial spirit of two friends, Dan Horneman and Jesse Kraay. Fresh out of university, they were looking for a unique venture. The idea took root when Jesse's parents pioneered Alberta's first corn maze in Lacombe in 2000, witnessing firsthand the enthusiastic public response. Seeing the potential, Dan and Jesse began to envision a similar attraction in Edmonton.

Over the winter of 2000-2001, they meticulously planned what an Edmonton corn maze could become. The challenge was finding suitable farmland near the city. Undeterred, they embarked on a search, driving around the outskirts of Edmonton. A chance encounter proved pivotal: Dan spotted a farmer working a field in the west end and decided to strike up a conversation. This serendipitous meeting led to crucial connections and ultimately, the discovery of the perfect property.

In the early spring of 2001, with a lease secured for the initial 20 acres, the Edmonton Corn Maze was born. The groundwork was laid, and the adventure of creating their first maze began, marking the start of a beloved local tradition.

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Early Years

With the land secured, the real work began. Relying on the generous assistance of neighboring farmers, Dan and Jesse prepared and planted the field. Corn, at the time, was still a relatively novel crop in the region, adding an element of uncertainty to their endeavor. Mid-August 2001 marked the grand opening, and with it, a wave of anticipation mixed with a touch of trepidation. Would Edmontonians embrace their unique attraction?

The response was nothing short of phenomenal. The Edmonton Corn Maze became an instant hit, drawing crowds and ultimately achieving one of the highest attendance rates for a corn maze in North America that inaugural year. The early years were a whirlwind of challenges, demanding hard work and constant innovation, but they were also filled with the immense joy of seeing countless happy visitors navigate their creation.

Beyond the cornfields, life was unfolding. Dan and Jesse were not only building a successful business; they were also building their personal lives. They met their future spouses, established homes, and began their own families, all while diligently planning and cultivating a brand-new, intricately designed corn maze each spring. The Edmonton Corn Maze was becoming interwoven with their lives, growing alongside their families and solidifying its place as a cherished community landmark.

Significant Events

Over the years, the Edmonton Corn Maze has evolved, expanding its offerings and adapting to changing priorities. What began as a simple cornfield with a small ticket booth and parking lot has grown into the multifaceted attraction it is today. Here are some of the key milestones:

  • Farm of Fear (2005-2014): In 2005, the corn maze was transformed into "Farm of Fear," Edmonton’s scariest Halloween attraction. This annual event, held in late October, continued until 2014. While popular, the owners decided to move away from the Halloween theme to prioritize a family-friendly atmosphere. Even today, many people fondly recall their "Farm of Fear" experiences.

  • Relocation (2014): A significant change occurred in 2014 when the maze's location was moved to a field further east. This move to an old farmyard provided several advantages, including better parking, permanent facilities, and more space for additional activities.

  • Farm Market Building (2018): In 2018, the Edmonton Corn Maze realized a long-held dream with the construction of the Farm Market building. This addition allowed the business to sell local products, food, and crafts, further enhancing the visitor experience.

Maze Designs

Visitors often ask about our favorite maze designs. It's a difficult question to answer, as each year brings its own unique memories and experiences. Over the past 25 years, we've had the pleasure of creating a wide variety of creative and memorable designs. We're proud to have highlighted many of the wonderful charities, events, teams, organizations, and businesses that make Edmonton such a vibrant place, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have grown alongside this amazing community.