It's a Cubs theme for 'world's largest' corn maze at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove

The Richardsons are expecting a "holy cow" sort of reaction to this year's corn maze in Spring Grove.

Deciding upon this year's theme for "the world's largest, most intricately designed corn maze" – a status well-researched and promoted by its creators – was a no-brainer after the World Series, said George Richardson, one of the five family members who own and operate Richardson Adventure Farm.

"We knew we wanted to do the Cubs," he said.

"We're fans when they're winning," he added with a laugh. "Lots of Cubs fans are out here, and a few Sox fans that are giving us trouble."

Actually creating the maze was a bit more complicated.

This year's maze features the Cubs logo, a Cubs pitcher and batter, the Chicago Skyline, the Wrigley Field marquee, the ivy-covered outfield walls and Harry Caray yelling "Holy Cow!"

"I knew I wanted to do Harry Caray saying 'Holy Cow!' because he's the one I remember forever and ever announcing games," Richardson said.

Starting in January, it took several months of planning, drafts of designs, even approval from the Cubs and the Harry Caray estate to complete the project. That was just the design phase.

"We like to have a spectacular picture. That's kind of what we're famous for so we put a lot into that design," Richardson said.

The corn planting phase had issues of its own, with an initial planting having to be dug up with a rototiller and replanted.

But come Sept. 2 – when the maze, along with the rest of the Richardson Adventure Farm's numerous attractions open – it'll all be ready to go. With new attendance records of more than 80,000 visitors a year the last two years with corn mazes themed after the 50th anniversary of "Star Trek" in 2016 and the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup win in 2015, the Richardsons are hoping for another busy season.

The farm has been in the Richardson family since 1840, with the first corn maze planted in 2001. Steadily growing both in popularity and zip, the maze now covers 28 acres – roughly 28 football fields – and includes 10.2 miles of trails.

Each line in the maze is a 6-foot-wide trail, except the outlines of the marquee sign, the log and the baseball in the center, which are about 10 feet wide.

The Richardsons told the design company, Mazeplay.com, based in Idaho, "We'd kind of like to have it as if you were up in the sky in a helicopter looking down at Wrigley Fields, seeing that marquee up front and the ball diamond and the ivy-covered wall and the Chicago skyline in the background."

"It makes a complete picture that makes sense to your eyes," Richardson said.

Using the latest technology, with a GPS and auto-steer to guide the planter, the maze first was planted in May. But as the corn grew, it was discovered the part of the planting was about 5 feet off, creating a "jiggly" picture, Richardson said. So the maze was replanted this month.

By the end of August, Richardson expects the corn to be 7 to 9 feet tall.

Along with the maze, Richardson Adventure Farm offers more than 30 activities, including wagon rides, pig races, a carousel, a train, a "Dairy Depot" with treats, a trike trail, private picnic sites and a zip line and orb rides. The zip line has been upgraded, and a stage has been added to the pig race arena to allow for live music, beer and wine on the weekends, Richardson said.

Aside from the zip line and orb rides, most of the activities are included in the admission fee of $16 for ages 13 and older and $13 for those ages 4 to 12. Admission is free for ages 3 and younger. The farm is open Wednesdays through Sunday Sept. 2 through Oct. 29, along with Labor Day and Columbus Day. For information, visit www.richardsonadventurefarm.com.