REXBURG, Idaho (KIVI) – There’s a saying that it’s better to give than you get.
Since 2007, the Rexburg Straw Maze has been entertaining and scaring people in Madison County. Fast forward to 2023, and the straw maze has expanded in size; Adding new attractions and increasing its workforce.
Greg Schneider is Straw Maze’s long-time Haunt Director. He tells us they employ five times the number of people they did 17 years ago.
“When we first started haunting this place, it was about six or seven people,” Schneider said. “They were jumping over beams and running around corners bringing people over and over again.”
“We’re now at a point where I’ll probably stick to more than 35 monsters inside that maze.”
This increase in personnel is not limited to the intimidation team. Straw Maze hires people to man the ticket booth, manage security, setup and tear down when the season ends. Which is something Schneider says many seasonal attractions can’t do.
“We pride ourselves on paying our pursuers,” Schneider said. “A lot of them (other haunted attractions) operate on a volunteer basis
“Fortunately, we have evolved to the point where this is not a problem for us.”
Schneider adds that hiring local students helps boost the economy in the Rexburg area.
“By injecting a little money into our high school and college students, they can take that money and spend it right here in town.”
But before anyone can get to work, the maze must be assembled.
Trent Munz is one of the masterminds behind assembling the straw maze.
Nine years later, assembling the maze has become a science.
“I think my record for having the yard and the parking lot and everything else done is three days,” Munz said. “It’s three long days.”
Munz says one reason for Straw Maze’s success over the years is the community the owners strive to create among employees, vendors and customers.
“The relationships that we all created and put together during the hay maze season, some of them are the strongest of all,” Munz said.
Every season has its trials, but every year, Means says it’s worth it.
“It’s been an amazing journey to see the way we’ve progressed,” Munz said. “Going from a little straw maze to becoming bigger than we are now.”
Rexburg Straw Maze is now open through Halloween.
But the Haunted Hay Maze and Haunted Forest don’t start until October 6th
You can find ticket prices, deals and times for the maze and jungle here.