Maize mazes raise fun and funds

Horst said the mazes sit on about eight acres and offer roughly 4 1/2 miles of trails.

The mazes were cut in May with a mower that was fitted with a global positioning system, Horst said. Each maze took a little more than two hours to complete.

"We re-mow them about every two weeks to keep the paths nice and clear," he said.

Horst said he also keeps an eye on rodent holes to ensure people don't get hurt. Before the mazes opened, he said he filled several groundhog holes with gravel and dirt.

Several of the people who braved the mazes on Sunday said they got lost.

"We ran into some dead ends," said Hagerstown resident Tamara Remsburg, who walked through the mazes with her two nieces.

Lauren Powell, 9, and her 7-year-old sister Olivia said they thought the mazes were "cool."

"I thought it was really fun," Olivia said. "I got scared because I thought we wouldn't get out and stay there for a while."

Lauren's and Olivia's mother, Leslie Powell, said the mazes provided good family fun.

"I think it's great," she said. "It's a good way to help out local nonprofit organizations."

People who visit the Hagerstown Corn Maze should wear sneakers and allow at least an hour, Horst said. The use of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited. Flashlights are required for people who walk the mazes at night.

If you go:

What: Hagerstown Corn Maze

When: Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m., Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and today (Monday) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: 17638 Garden View Road

To learn more, visit www.hagerstowncornmaze.org.