Lyman Orchards Sunflower Maze

NEWS Release - July 2010

Every turtle knows that "slow and steady wins the race." The truth of that adage will be put to the test amid the opening celebration of Lyman Orchards' 4th Annual Sunflower Maze on Saturday, July 31, 2010. This year's turtle-themed maze will provide a perfect setting for a walk through nature's beauty at any speed, but a slow, turtle-like pace will surely be the most effective method to find the way out.

Maze visitors of all ages will put their sense of direction to the test on Lyman’s three-acre sunflower field. "We're looking forward to our 4th season with the Sunflower Maze.  It really adds to the beauty and excitement of the Orchard in August.  It's certainly another reason to come out to Lymans" said John Lyman III, executive vice president and eighth generation member of the family-owned farm. This year’s maze theme started with ideas from the kids at Connecticut Children’s, who came up with several upbeat designs. The final selection was made by fans of The River, 105.9 FM, who must have had slow-going nature walkers on their mind when they chose the turtle’s giant image to be carved into more than two miles of picturesque pathwaysthat make up the amazing maze.

Even for speedy rabbits, wandering through the sunflower maze could take 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors will face many decision-making points along the way.  Ambitious participants will receive a maze map and passport consisting of trivia questions which provide clues to finding the maze exit.  

“A maze experience is simply fun in a surprising variety of ways,” said Brett Herbst, a professional agricultural maze designer from Utah, who designs Lyman’s sunflower and corn mazes each year. “It’s awesome to step out of a familiar world and into a whole new mood. It’s uplifting and challenging. It’s also interactive, like spending time in an online game where every step takes you closer, or further, from your goal. The sights and sounds are captivating, the competitive spirit is motivating, and the party atmosphere keeps popping up at every flowery corner. And, Herbst asks, “who doesn’t like a day on the farm where you can experience fun the old-fashioned way?”

Lyman Orchards has been donating to Connecticut Children's Medical Center ever since they introduced the popular sunflower maze to its schedule of family attractions in 2007. To date, nearly $20,000 has been contributed to the Medical Center’s Division of Hematology/Oncology.  “Providing the range of comprehensive family-friendly services we do depends so much on community partners like Lyman Orchards”, Dr. Nathan Hagstrom, Division Chief explains. “The unfair burden that comes with major illness is lessened in many ways by programs funded by contributions such as these.  We appreciate Lyman Orchards’ efforts and thank all maze visitors for their support.”

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