ECHO — The Echo Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch opens Friday, Sept. 27.

The mission at Echo Corn Maze, according to a press release, “has always been to provide a fun, family-friendly, and safe environment for all visitors.”

The Echo Corn Maze began in October 2016 when Gina and Bob Tyhuis adopted their son, Brent. They saw this venture as a wonderful opportunity to share their love of agriculture with the community.

Today, it remains a family affair with local friends and family pitching in to help.

Each year brings something new to the experience, and this year the maze features a tractor design. The season kicks off with a Fall Market & Sunflower Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More than 25 local craft, food and clothing vendors will be onsite. Visitors can enjoy the sunflowers in full bloom and purchase blossoms. The corn maze and all regular activities will also be open.

The Echo Corn Maze, 300 N. Dupont St., spans eight acres and takes about an hour to complete. For younger children, there is a smaller Straw Bale Maze and Mini Corn Maze. Kids can also enjoy the Corn Crib, search for the perfect pumpkin in the patch, ride the Kiddie Carts, zip down the Zip Line, and explore the Tunnel Maze.

In the evenings, families can rent fire pits or private corrals for parties.

General admission is $10, and the zip line and kiddie cart are $1 per ride.

The spooky Field of Screams nights are $12, and three Fridays in October offer half-price admission of $5 from 2-6 p.m. (Oct. 4, 11 and 18).

Echo Corn Maze is open Fridays, 2-10 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mary’s Tacos food truck will be onsite.

Tuesday through Thursday is reserved for school field trips and group visits.

Special events

• Pumpkin carving and face painting: Oct. 6, 13 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Field of Screams: The haunted maze experience is offered Oct. 12, 19 and 26 from 7-9 p.m. The $12 tickets include all general admission features — plus extra frights in the maze.
• Zom-B13: Saturday, Oct. 12, meet the characters and cars from the Zom-B13 group from Pendleton.
• Dog Days in the Maze: Oct. 20 with Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter, which will be onsite with adoptable dogs and taking donations from their wish list. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Admission is $10, with $2 per dog donated to PAWS.
• Movie Night: Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Features “Children of the Corn.” Movie is included in general admission.
• Harvest Festival: Benefiting local nonprofit Hands & Feet, this festival is presented with U.S. Bank on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support foster families.
• Find the Wine and Beer: Sunday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Sno Road Winery, Echo Ridge Cellars, Cerebella Winery and more than 20 local vendors. Admission is $12, plus $5 for beverages (must be 21 and older to consume alcohol). Bring cash for beer, wine and food.

For more information about special events, hours, closures and activities, search Instagram @echocornmaze, www.facebook.com/echowestfresh or www.echocornmaze.com. For questions, contact 509-528-5808 or info@ echocornmaze.com.