For Lyman, Corn Maze Nightmare a 'Unique Situation'

This article first appeared on Middlefield Patch.

There is a kernel of irony to the media frenzy surrounding a Massachusetts family's unfortunate experience in a corn maze earlier this week.

The family called 911 in a panic after losing their way in the cornstalks in Danvers, Mass., on Monday. It turns out that the company that designed the Connors' Farm Corn Maze also designed Lyman Orchards Corn Maze in Middlefield.

"It is the same company," John Lyman, president of Lyman Orchards, confirmed to Patch on Thursday.

Both mazes were designed by Brett Herbst, a world renowned corn maze designer and owner/founder of The MAiZE.

Lyman says he became curious in the story after receiving phone calls about it, and after noticing similar wooden bridges in the maze in Danvers while watching a report on Good Morning America.

"It's gotten wide play across the country, it's interesting," he said.

While the phrase "get lost" is used often to invite visitors to the maze in Middlefield, Lyman called this week's incident a "unique situation."

"I can't envision it ever happening here," explained Lyman, who said as many as six "corn cops" are stationed throughout Lyman's maze on weekends to help visitors find their way to the finish.

"We also have radios so we can react quickly," he said.

While some visitors have said this year's corn maze at Lyman Orchards, which is dedicated to America's "quiet heroes," is one of the most difficult they can remember, Lyman said the challenge is part of the experience.

"You hope it doesn't intimidate people from coming out to the maze," he said. "I'm sure for the (family) it wasn't funny at the time."

Lyman recalled one instance when someone got lost in his maze.

"Someone called the Apple Barrell and said, 'I'm lost at post number four,' but they didn't call 911," Lyman said.