Established in 2021 as a 10-acre maze, this year’s 19-acre corn maze — now one of the largest in Pennsylvania — begins this Saturday at 39 Seeds Lane, Jersey Shore, and runs every Saturday (noon to 9 p.m.) and Sunday (noon to 6 p.m.) through Oct. 26. Add to that a festival featuring all kinds of activities — live music, food, drink and other vendors, a scenic trolley ride, contests and games for kids and kids at heart, a pumpkin patch and live animals — and you’ve got family-friendly fun for all ages.

Now in its fifth year, this year’s corn maze is the most challenging yet, according to Pine Creek Corn Maze organizer Jennifer McCracken.

“The total walking distance, if you don’t take any shortcuts, is 3.6 miles,” says McCracken, who emphasizes that the maze is stroller and wheelchair accessible. “This year, we partnered with the PA Wilds Center, so the design of the maze highlights outdoor adventures such as kayaking, hiking, camping and off-roading. The PA Wilds logo of a bull elk surrounded by a keystone makes up the center of the maze.”

In fact, the focus of the nonprofit Pine Creek Corn Maze is on partnerships and giving back to the community. To kick off this year’s corn maze, there is a ‘Run for the Rim’ 5K and 10K walk/run that takes participants on a loop through the maze as well as some nearby backroads. The 10:30 a.m. race prior to Saturday’s noon opening of the corn maze benefits the Jersey Shore High School Boys Basketball program. Those interested in joining in the run can sign up via UltraSignUp.com.

A sneak peek at this year’s Pine Creek Corn Maze in South Avis, which is set to open this Saturday, Sept. 27. PHOTO PROVIDED

“Last year, we took a major step forward by becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ensuring that 100 percent of our proceeds go directly back into the community,” says McCracken. “Through donations and partnerships, we support local education programs, agricultural scholarships, community development initiatives and area nonprofits, making a meaningful impact beyond our farm.”

The Shore Basketball Boosters are one of several volunteer groups who help each weekend and receive proceeds from the maze. Volunteer groups also include the Avis Volunteer Fire Company, Alpha Sigma Tau sorority at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, Jersey Shore Public Library, Hyner Lodge Foundation, Lock Haven Catholic School and the Avis Area Recreation Association.

In partnership with Pine Creek Corn Maze, Avis Fire Company is hosting special online raffles featuring unique prizes such as a Trek Marlin Bike Package; Bill’s Happy Camper RV Accessory Set; Toniebox Audio Entertainment Bundle; DJI Mini Drone and more. To participate, check out Avis Fire Company on Facebook or visit avis-fire-company.square.site/.

In yet another partnership, actors from Spook Haven in Mill Hall will haunt the corn maze on two Sundays, Oct. 5 and 26. There are special hours and special admission pricing on those two dates.

Each weekend of the corn maze highlights a different PA Wilds theme, with this weekend’s focus being Pine Creek Valley and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. As for live music, the Clark McLane Band is the first of several bands to perform at the maze, taking the stage this Saturday evening at 6 p.m. Others scheduled to perform this year include Matt Harrison (Oct. 4); Jon River Duo (Oct. 11); PA Folk Riot (Oct. 12); Just Cause (Oct. 18); and Bubby & Swales (Oct. 25). Bubby & Swales also will host two Open Mic events from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, and again on Oct. 12.

A sneak peek at this year’s Pine Creek Corn Maze in South Avis, which is set to open this Saturday, Sept. 27. PHOTO PROVIDED

“We’re so excited for this year’s maze and related festival activities,” adds McCracken. “We invite people to come and enjoy — we’ll have different bands and food each week. There also are different special events each week, from the Run for the Rim race and two Spook Haven nights, to a drone light show on Oct. 11, an after-dark “neon night” in the maze on Oct. 18, hay bale throwing and pumpkin weighing contests the weekend of Oct. 18 and 19 and mentalist Dustin Dean will be here on Oct. 25.”

McCracken says the mission of the Pine Creek Corn Maze is to, “cultivate an unforgettable agri-tourism experience that connects families, friends and communities to the beauty and importance of agriculture. Through interactive and educational activities, we celebrate our farming heritage and promote an appreciation for the land and its harvest.”

Regular admission to the Pine Creek Corn Maze is $10 per person, with children age three and under admitted free. For more information, a complete schedule of events and to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.pinecreekcornmaze.com. Admission tickets are also available at the maze.

PHOTO PROVIDED A scenic trolley ride transports people to and from the Pine Creek Corn Maze, which begins this Saturday at Pine Creek Seed Farm in South Avis.

PHOTO PROVIDED Kids can swim in corn at the Pine Creek Corn Maze. The 19-acre maze and associated festival begins this weekend and runs every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 26.