A-Mazing Agri-Tourist Opportunity Takes Root in Vegreville

A-Mazing Agri-Tourist Opportunity Takes Root in Vegreville

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Three heads are better than one, and collectively Dave Berry, Len Bullock, and Darcy Lencewich are turning their cooperative vision of a corn maze into reality.

On May 27 the trio, along with Carson James and Chris Bradley, supplied the corn seed and the John Deere 7200 Max Emerge 2, while David Sen and Cody Weleschuk of Rocky Mountain Equipment supplied the Case 280 tractor, and set to work on the three-acre site just east of the Vegreville Regional Museum.

The idea of the corn maze came up when Berry, Bullock, and Lencewich were brainstorming last fall. Afterreceiving permission from the town to use its property they started the process. “Darcy and Len helped get plowing going and we started making plans from there,” stated Dave. They plowed in October and disked twice earlier this spring in preparation for seeding.

Dave has spent the better part of the year researching corn mazes and came up with the design which will feature an antique tractor. Len was also busy working with local groups as partners.

He explained, “A corn maze is a giant puzzle cut into a field designed to challenge visitors navigating through loops and dead ends to experience being lost among the tall stacks, for at least a little while.

The increasing number of corn maze enthusiasts venturing far and wide is just one segment of the ever-growing agri-tourist industry. Dave said they are fortunate to be located in Vegreville as roughly ¾ of a million Albertans live within a one hour drive of the community. “The intent is to offer a convenient and economical tourist attraction to the thousands of Albertans residing close-by as well as travellers from afar.”

They are also fortunate to be home to the world’s largest Pysanka, (Easter Egg), which attracts between 20,000 to 25,000 visitors annually. He views both attractions as mutually beneficial, and believes it will give visitors more of a reason to stay and explore some of the businesses and other amenities the community has to offer.

Dave said they wanted to create a family orientated outdoor recreational experience. The area is also a great place for people to sit and have a picnic, added Dave “We wanted to make it familyfriendly and economical.”

The overall concept is that “The Vegreville Corn Maze will enhance the quality of life by providing multi-dimensional entertainment, foster family, and community spirit; and stimulate the local economy.”

A portion of the land has been set aside for pumpkins and sunflowers. Because the corn is silage corn, not a lot of cobs emerge, but the stock will grow much taller, explained Dave. He hoping the corn will grow at least 6-8 feet, but ideally would like it to grow 8-10 feet high, to give visitors a great overall experience. In late June or early July Dave will be cutting out the design of the maze, and have it ready for visitors in late-August or September and have it available through to the end of October. The hope is to have it open to the public during weekends. The committee has also set up a Facebook page, (Facebook@ Vegreville Corn Maze).

Now all that is left to do is let Mother Nature take its course.