Kids and Adults Agree – Corn Maize Doesn’t Shuck

The annual Corn Maize takes place October 2 through November 8 in Broken Arrow.

A fall family-friendly tradition returns with the annual Tulsa Corn Maize in Broken Arrow, featuring two corn maizes (one haunted), children’s activities, fire pits, paintball and more. The fun takes place Friday, October 2 through Sunday, November 8. Hours are Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 to 10, and Sunday from 1 to 6. Wednesdays will be open for church groups, and Thursdays will be available for other large groups. The maize is also open during the week from 9 to 1 for school field trips. “The Coweta first graders come every year,” says Jack Schlekeway.  
Jack, aka “Farmer Jack,” builds and operates the maizes each year simply because “so many people love it and would be disappointed if I didn’t!” He also has a lot of fun doing it and loves see the joy on the kids’ faces. Families return year after year for good old-fashioned autumn entertainment. Farmer Jack has been involved with the maize since it first began 14 years ago. The only time the maize hasn’t happened was after the two hot, dry summers a couple years ago when temperatures stayed in the 100s for weeks, preventing the corn from growing.
In addition to the regular corn maize will be a “haunted” maize that begins at dark, complete with costumed spooks jumping out from corners and scaring those brave enough to walk the twists and turns. Children will have a blast with all the fun activities available, including a cow train (a bucket train pulled around by Farmer Jack’s tractor), hayrides, duck races, hay jumps and hay hops, target shooting paintball, and the corn box (a box filled with corn seeds for kids to pile into and play in). The price of admission includes everything except for paintball target shooting – stop by the “Corn”venient Store to purchase paintballs. Prices are $3 for 50 shots or $5 for 100.
Nine fire pits are available for reservation and are always a huge hit with large groups and families. Groups of 15 or more can reserve a fire pit for the entire evening. “Some places charge $20 an hour for a fire pit, so they’re really popular each year,” adds Farmer Jack. You’re invited to bring your own hot dogs, marshmallows, snacks, and coolers. Farmer Jack provides a supply of fire wood; if groups want more than what is provided, they will need to bring additional wood or purchase more from Jack. A picnic table and stumps for sitting are on hand for each pit, but Farmer Jack encourages groups to bring their lawn chairs. Fire pits must be reserved in advance by calling (918) 232-4299. “You’ll need to call at least 48 hours in advance for a reservation. The fire pits almost always get booked up early for Fridays and Saturdays.” He also provides two community fire pits for those who haven’t made a reservation and still want to enjoy a toasty fire and tasty smores.
Everyone is welcome to bring their own treats to the maize, but the “Corn”venient Store also sells snacks like chips, popcorn, candy, sodas, hot cocoa and smores kits. “I keep my prices around $1 for each item,” says Farmer Jack.
The Tulsa Corn Maize is a popular and affordable destination for birthday parties, youth sports team celebrations, Girl Scout gatherings, churches, and family parties. Admission prices are $9 for adults, $7 for children 4 to 12 years old, and 3 and under are free. To get there, simply go east on Kenosha (71st Street) to 321st East Avenue and follow the signs. The event is family friendly; no drinking or smoking is allowed.