The WDM's Corn Maze is now open for the next two months, until the end of September. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Seasonal Fun

WDM Corn Maze a new adventure for families in the Battlefords

Aug 4, 2023 | 2:07 PM

There’s nothing corny about a little seasonal family fun at North Battleford’s Western Development Museum (WDM).

For the first time ever, the WDM is offering a corn maze, as a new attraction for the late summer and the fall.

Program and volunteering coordinator with the Museum, Heather O’Neill said the idea came about from her own experiences having attended the old corn maze in nearby Cut Knife when her kids were little.

“I used to take my kids there when they were young, but it’s never been available here in North Battleford, so when I started here and realized we had the space to do it, I thought it would be fun to try to get one here,” she said. “Richardson Pioneer donated the corn seed for us, and then we planted it ourselves and cut it ourselves and we’re excited to have it here.”

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Measuring an acre in size, the maze from a bird’s eye view spells out “Western Development Museum,” complete with a circle around it.

The corn maze officially opened just a few days ago on Aug. 1, but has already seen a nice turnout, ahead of its first weekend in operation.

“We’re expecting it to be a bit busier on the weekend, though we have had quite a few families come through [already] during the week, and everyone seems to be enjoying it,” O’Neill said.

Within the maze itself, there is also a game for those with younger children to play if desired, which includes receiving a paper with a riddle available at the front desk while purchasing admission, which can then be solved by finding letter clues within the maze.

“The little game we have is kind of more geared towards children, as we just thought it would be fun to add something fun for kids,” O’Neill said. “You find the letters hidden in the maze that make up the answer to the riddle and it just kind of gives them a little seek-and-find to do while in the maze as well.”

There is also a little cutout character known as ‘Larry’ hidden within the maze for photo opportunities.

Located just out behind the WDM Village, by the pole shed with the tractors, the maze is found next to the oat field where the Museum hold its threshing demonstrations.

The maze will be open during Museum hours, seven days a week from 9-5 p.m. each day, and can be accessed with general Museum admission.

O’Neill said the WDM will also be partnering with Concern for Youth next month to transform the maze into a special ‘Spooky Corn Maze’ for two nights Sept 15-16, in early celebration of Halloween.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1