For almost a decade, the Hanes and Walker families have carved a niche in family fun, helping visitors at their farms find a good time – by getting lost.

The human sized cornfield puzzles, which again incorporate challenges that have to be solved using clues hidden in the maze, are open for business.

This year’s Hanes maze features artwork from the 2007 Buy Local! Buy Fresh! Local food map produced by Environment Hamilton’s Eat Local project.

Following a trip through the 10-foot-tall cornfield, visitors at the Hanes family farm can enjoy a hot or cold drink or a light snack, while the Hanes Farmland features farm animals and a play area for the kids.

“Every year, I like to joke with the visitors that they shouldn’t worry about getting lost because we check the maze once a week!” said corn maze creator Shelley Hanes.

At Yee Haw Adventure Farm, Florence Walker, also known as Maw, has been hard at work crafting her family farm’s corn maze. With an empha-sis on buying locally grown and produced foods, the maze was configured to resemble the Homegrown Ontario logo. “Their theme is Ontario farming,” explained Maw, adding that the logo also features the trillium, which is fitting, as it is the province’s flower.

While guests at Yee Haw Adventure Farm get lost in the 8th Concession Road West maze, they must retrieve 12 clues that relate to the Homegrown Ontario buying and eating locally grown and produced food theme. Following the corn maze adventure, guests are welcome to take part in pig races, walk through the Barn Gone Bad, enjoy the humorous farm animal show or catch a glimpse at the ever-so-scary “Swamp Thangy”.

“If you got the right weather, don’t delay,” expressed Maw, adding that Yee Haw Adventure Farm is a fun place for all members of the family.

Currently, Yee Haw Adventure Farm is open from 11 a. m. until 5:30 p. m. every weekend in October. Pig races take place at 12 (noon), 2 and 4 p. m. while the Farm Animal Show runs Saturday and Sundays at 1 and 3 p. m.

The Hanes maze is open during the week from 11 a. m. to 5 p. m. and weekends from 11 a. m. to 9 p. m. Pick-your-own pumpkin patch is also open.

Group rates are available at both rural locations.

More information on the Hanes’ corn maze, located at 1001 Hwy. 5 West is available online at www.hanescornmaze.com . Information on Yee Haw Adventure Farm, which is situated at 1817 8th Concession Road West, is also available on the web by visiting www.yeehawadventurefarm.com .

- With files from Catherine O’Hara • Review