One of the very first corn mazes in the state will re-open today in Northeast Iowa. “Maze Master” Laverne Swenson of Clermont says the maze got its start four years ago and proved to be very popular with 11-thousand visitors from 22 countries and all 50 states.The first maze won the Iowa Tourism Division’s “attraction of the year” award. Swenson says the maze was in Elkader in 2000 and Harpers Ferry in 2001. The corn maze is a project supported by the Country Heritage Community of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette and Winneshiek counties. The board of directors has since decided to make Elgin the permanent home of the maze. Swenson says the shape of this year’s maze is reflective of the rise in patriotism following the September 11th terrorist attacks. It is in the shape of a scowling eagle in the design of artist Ed Lawrence of McGregor who paints wildlife paintings. Lawrence calls it “Determination,” as the country is determined to win out over terrorists.The corn maze is one half mile east of Elgin in Fayette County.
