• The maze has doubled in size this year.
Star Valley’s second annual Nightmare on the Farm hay maze will be open for guests October 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31 from 7-11 p.m. each night. The hay maze is located at 862 Highway 236 in Afton, and guests of all ages are welcome, though parents are encouraged to consider their child’s tolerance for frightening experiences.
Whitey Gardner and his partner, Jensen Odde, offered a smaller version of the event last year, just to test the waters. In an interview with SVI Media last week, Gardner talked about the birth of the hay maze. Odde was “all on board” when Gardner asked him to consider the project. “He’s really put a lot of time and effort into it, and he’s really passionate about helping and giving back to the community.”
When over 1200 people showed up over three evenings last year, they knew they had created something special. This year, they have expanded the maze to nearly twice the length, and have increased the offerings of dead-ends, jump scares and animatronics.
The maze is constructed of half ton hay bales, stacked three bales high, creating nine-foot walls. “There’s going to be some tight spots and some rooms with different monsters and creatures and some of the rooms have themes.” Recalling his years as a youth in Star Valley, Gardner enjoyed trick or treating on Halloween, but as a teen, “I was causing more mischief than I should.” Now, he want “to create something to meet the demand for the high school students and adults.”
Last year, Gardner and Odde sold concessions, but this year, they have invited the Star Valley Girls Wrestling Team to offer concessions. “Anything that they make from that goes directly to them.” Jack’Stand is scheduled to be there selling hot dogs as well. “The girls’ wrestling team has created something special the last couple of years. We are hoping that people will come out and buy some concessions from them if not anything else.”
Guests from Utah who made the trip to visit the maze last year “said we were just as good as anybody they had been to in Salt Lake or Provo and Orem. Come give us a shot. I think we’re providing a good product for anyone who’s interested. Parents know their kids best. If they know their kids might be traumatized by it, wait to bring them until they’re a little bit older.”
Remember to dress warmly and take time to enjoy the concessions. Admission to the maze is $15 for individuals or $50 for a family.
