It took Depner from 80 to 100 hours to create this elaborate maze. In the early stages of growth he started cutting down the corn in a preplanned intricate design. There are dead ends and check points where participants will find a mail box with an emergency map as well as a punch with a different pattern at each site to punch on their cards. The object is not to find your way out fast but to complete all five punches. "If you're lucky, you might see a deer or two" Depner said.

He also has designed a well marked mini corn maze for younger children. You can't miss the farm. It's on Griggs Road 2 miles east of Caseville across from the Caseville Golf Course. A row of giant sunflowers lead you to the driveway. Once on the lane going toward the maze, several scarecrows appear "guarding" the maze, and a large pumpkin patch already is revealing giant pumpkins just starting to turn their bright orange color.

"This is sort of a family project. My relatives, who live close by, helped out," Depner said. "Somehow it became a community project as others volunteered to help out. What can I say when they ask to help?" On Tuesday, Mike Goforth, pastor of Caseville's Baptist Church was there loading wood.

"People are starting to call, and some are concerned about getting lost. I tell them, 'Well, after three days we'll send out our rescue dog, Dozer. We'll give him a piece of your clothing to pick up your scent and he'll come and search for you,'" Depner laughs.

©Huron Daily Tribune 2006