by Leigh Wills
Get lost this fall and have fun doing it while supporting an Asheville organization that helps abused and neglected children. The 106-year-old Eliada Homes for Children, with the help of a family-run business called Maze Play, has built a 10-acre cornfield maze on its property off Compton Drive in Asheville.
Starting September 25, visitors can purchase a ticket, enter the cornfield and spend a few hours trying to navigate their way through an intricate design carved into the towering stalks.
The maze is called the Castle in the Corn because if you were to view it from high above you would see the maze is actually in the design of a castle with the word Eliada scrawled into the corn. Carolyn Ashworth, who is in charge of grants and public relations for Eliada, says the organization sought something fun and entertaining in its attempt to raise funding during these trying economic times.
"We were trying to think outside the box this year and wanted something that was family friendly, and this seemed a good fit for us," Ashworth says.
Eliada contacted Maze Play in Idaho and asked if such a project were even feasible. Not only was it feasible, but Eliada caught a break when the company decided to help them. "Every year, they pick a nonprofit to help, and this year they chose us and agreed to design it," Ashworth says. "They did it for what it cost them."
According to Eliada, Maze Play estimates that a maze like this coupled with Asheville's population could draw 15,000 people. "This could be a $100,000 opportunity for us, and that would be amazing in this economy. It's a lofty goal, but if you don't try it you will never know," Ashworth says.
There are three separate mazes that people can try. The more difficult one is 2.2 miles in length. A medium-sized one is 1 mile, while the shortest one is less than a half-mile. For the real little ones, a hay bale maze will be set up. There will also be hayrides, face painting and concessions.
If you're worried about getting lost and never finding your way out, there's a system in place to prevent that from happening. Everyone who enters the maze gets a map. The map points out checkpoints located within the maze. When you reach a checkpoint and use the map, it will give you some guidance on which way you need to head next. Volunteers will also be on hand to point you in the right direction.
Eliada is seeking a volunteer staff of 600 people. If you would like to volunteer and receive two free passes for your time, or if you would like more information about visiting the maze, go to the website www.castleinthecorn.com.
