Bob and Gina Tyhuis’ 2-year-old son, Brent, is thrilled to have a corn maze in his back yard.

“When we come down the hill he points and says, ‘Corn maze, mama.’ He absolutely adores the farm, he loves farming. Really, that’s the motivation for the corn maze,” said Gina Tyhuis.

The Tyhuis’ have been in Echo for about 18 months, although Gina’s family has farmed in the area for some time. Juggling responsibilities with grape harvest, Gina has been busy gearing up for the Echo Crazy Corn Maze & Haunt.

The Tyhuis’ opened the corn maze this past weekend and will be open Thursday through Saturdays throughout October from 2-10 p.m. The maze is located off Echo’s Main Street. People should park at 111 W. Main St. The entrance to the maze is several blocks north of downtown, between the 100-200 block of North Dupont Street. The cost is $10 for ages 3 and up. Major credit cards and debit cards will be accepted.

Also, special haunts are planned for the maze Oct. 15, 22, 29 and 31 from 7-9 p.m. People will take a separate path for the fright experience, so participants can choose between the mild or scary path.

The maze encompasses eight acres with pathways of about 1.5-2 miles. Gina Tyhuis said the maze wouldn’t be possible without the help of Barton Laser Leveling, who spend a couple of days cutting the paths.

“If you get lost, you probably need to Google our website for our phone number and we’ll send a runner to get you,” Gina said with a laugh.

Inspired by the fall extravaganza at Pasco’s Country Mercantile, the site also includes other activities. People are encouraged to bring cash (or they may pay by credit card with a minimum $10 charge). Additional activities include a Crazy Train Ride for kids, corn cannons, a straw bale maze and a corn pit. Also, a zip-line may be added, depending on insurance concerns, Gina said. In addition, concessions will be available for purchase. Fire pit rentals and space for private parties are also available.

Gina is excited about having an array of activities to draw people to the attraction. Setting up the corn pit, she said, includes putting hay or straw bales in a U-shape.

“We’ll dump in a bunch of kernels of corn in there and kids can jump in there and have a good time,” she said. “It’s a different texture, but it’s kind of like jumping into the pits with balls.”

Gina is energized by the sense of community as her family has worked on the maze and activities. A number of businesses have extended their hand in support.

In addition to the fun activities, Gina is happy to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the connection from farm to table through “agritainment.”

“It’s a fun way to get in the dirt and learn a little bit about agriculture,” she said. “We’re a working farm.”

For more information, visit www.echocornmaze.com, www.facebook.com/echocrazycornmaze or call 509-528-5808.