The Recorder – Mike’s Maze honoring movies with 2022 design

SUNDERLAND — Lights, camera, action!

Mike’s Maze is heading to Hollywood this fall as the famous corn maze honors all things movies. In celebration of films like “Star Wars” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” marking their 40th and 45th anniversaries, Mike’s Maze is hoping to capture audiences who love movies, much like these films captivated audiences decades ago.

Jess and David Wisseman, the maze’s co-creators, said the maze’s theme each year is based on “some sort of cultural touchstone” — think last year’s “Imagine” theme or 2020’s “Vote!” design. The thought of highlighting cinema has been something they’ve wanted to do for “several years.”

“There’s so many films that are celebrating an anniversary this year, it was a no-brainer,” Jess Wisseman said. “It’s almost been overwhelming how much content there was to work with.”

Mike’s Maze will open Sept. 9 and will operate through Nov. 6. The maze is open Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at mikesmaze.com or in person. Adult tickets are $16, tickets for children ages 5 to 12 are $14, and children under age 4 are admitted for free. Rates are reduced on Fridays, but some activities, such as face painting and pony rides, are unavailable.

The word “Action!” is engraved into the 8-acre corn maze in a classic 1950s-style font as popcorn flies around in the design. As guests walk into the maze, they will be treated to a classic movie theater marquee that Jess Wisseman is hopeful will “get people into this sort of whimsical mindset.”

“What better way to depict the word ‘Action’ than with an explosion of popcorn erupting from a corn field?” Jess Wisseman said. “I was trying to capture a feeling of nostalgia, but also excitement.”

“In many ways, it is the most literal corn maze we have ever done,” David Wisseman added.

Other films they highlighted include: “The Godfather,” celebrating 50 years; “Casablanca,” celebrating 80 years; and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” which is celebrating 45 years.

“It was way more fun to go broad with it,” David Wisseman said, with his wife adding that “inevitably, there will be some movies we won’t be able to mention.”

Within the maze itself, guests will have the opportunity to participate in several games and activities for all ages, including movie trivia.

“Movie trivia is just the best topic there is,” Jess Wisseman said. “Film buffs are going to have a great time answering our 20 questions that touch on all different aspects of movies, cinema and Hollywood.”

There will also be a scavenger hunt and a chance to be “Mike’s Executive Movie Producer,” where kids will spin a wheel to find out what their movie is and then have to tap into their creativity to act their movie out. Additionally, David Wisseman said they have a new 25-foot-tall rope climber on their playground that will “make you think you’re a Hollywood stunt double.”

The ongoing drought and some ravenous squirrels living in the Riverside Cemetery presented some challenges in growing the maze, but Jess Wisseman said moving some of the popcorn kernels around in the design was able to help them solve the problem.

“It was a really dismal scene, honestly,” she said of the day when their corn-cutter arrived. “Luckily the design presented an opportunity to design an uneven border.”

As Mike’s Maze prepares to open for the season, Jess Wisseman said the pandemic has given people a new appreciation for “outdoor entertainment in the fresh air” and they are looking forward to continuing to provide that outlet for people.

“These have been momentum-building years for Mike’s Maze and we’re really looking forward to another one,” she said. “There really is something for everyone.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.