Maize. In Spanish, it translates to corn. Now, take the “i” out of the word maize but keep the corn and what do you have? Swank Farms Corn Maze in Hollister.
Located approximately an hour from Saratoga, this spooky attraction, named the “Maniac Maze,” brings visitors of all ages. The maze winds through about 30 acres of corn fields. Participants can expect sudden scares from employees dressed in horrifying costumes popping out of no where. The experience of running away from lurking creeps and monsters seems straight out of horror movies. It is open annually from Oct. 1-31.
Swank Farms created its first corn maze in 2005, and since then thousands of visitors have flocked to this Halloween hideaway. The maze is redesigned every year so even previous visitors will find new adventure. A night in the maze will cost a student $16, a good price considering the memories it leaves visitors with.
“I went to the maze a couple years ago,” said senior Erin Wong. “And I still get scared when I think about it. One of my friends peed in her pants.”
Swank Farms also offers haunted houses and other outdoor Halloween-themed events such as a tamer “Spookley Maze” for kids, but the main attraction is the frightening “Maniac Maze.” This destination may seem strange but the dullness of the average corn field shouldn’t discourage teens looking for a fright.
“The corn maze is an experience you will never forget,” said Wong. “Just try not to get lost.”