2024 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Corn Maze Opens in College Station, Promising Fun and Education for All

Explore the Excitement of the 2024 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Corn Maze in College Station

College Station is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Corn Maze opens its gates to both students and community members. This beloved attraction is back and better than ever, welcoming brave participants to navigate through its intricate paths of towering cornstalks.

A Labor of Love

For years, the A&M Agronomy Society has dedicated itself to creating a fun and engaging fall experience for the local community. The effort, which kicked into high gear back in July, includes not just the planting of corn but also meticulous maintenance of irrigation and fertigation systems, and even getting their hands dirty pulling weeds. “While we control certain factors of the maze, the unpredictability of weather can be a real challenge,” shared Ronnie Schnell, Ph.D., a key figure in the project. Last year, the maze faced cancellation due to a summer drought and irrigation system issues. “If you could pick the worst time of the year to grow corn in Texas, this would be it,” he explained.

Growth and Challenges

Luckily, this year the corn made a triumphant return! Seeds come from a local supplier and are planted at a staggering 25,000 seeds per acre. “We double planted; I would say that was maybe close to two bags of seed,” Schnell continued. With about 80,000 kernels in each bag, they created a vibrant sea of corn with some stalks soaring between six to twelve feet tall.

Crafting the Maze

Once the corn reached its desired height, the team got down to business by hand-stomping and cutting paths within the greenery. Each path is painstakingly created, as Cabot Ellis, a turfgrass science senior and the corn maze chair, explained, “If you have paths that create wind channels, it can blow over stalks. We want to prevent that.” Volunteers join in, each taking on the task of cutting their own path to confuse maze-goers.

A Fun and Educational Experience

The maze itself isn’t just a source of entertainment; it also carries an important educational element. In the middle of all the twisting paths lies a large, carved-out version of the A&M primary logo, measuring an impressive 60 feet. As participants make their way through, they not only get lost in the maze but also learn about the significance of agriculture. “It’s great to see the community come back and watch things like the cotton gin operate,” said Ellis. “This helps people realize where their clothes and food come from.”

A Community Effort

The corn maze also functions as a fundraiser for the Agronomy Society, helping them compete in the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference. Members feel a sense of pride that their hard work not only generates income but also fosters community engagement. The corn that is harvested can also be sold to local suppliers, contributing to the local economy.

Honoring a Legacy

Nearing its seasonal end, this year’s maze holds a special meaning as it honors Jonathan Stanush, a former member of the Agronomy Society from the Class of 2018. The close-knit community among the members of this young organization makes it feel like a family, and they all come together to ensure the maze is a success. “It’s not two of us doing it — it’s a team,” Ellis shared with pride. “There’s so many different elements, and it’s a well-organized machine.”

Don’t Miss Out

With the maze running until Saturday, this is your last chance to join in on the fun and support the hard-working students from Texas A&M University. Whether you’re exploring the paths or learning about agriculture, there’s something for everyone at the 2024 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Corn Maze!