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Summer season is near an end, but its only the start of La Union maze as their season will begin on September and will be themed to commemorate UTEP’s centennial.
La Union maze will be showcasing their art through the maze. It has been cut by a group of professionals who have been doing this for years. The design involves the addition of a birthday cake along with the candle numbers “100” on top in recognition of the universities centennial.
“I came up with something that will indicate the 100 years and I though oh a birthday cake,” said Sondgeroth.
Lucy Sondgeroth and her husband both started La Union maze in 1999 along with other partners. About five years ago, they both became independent and owned the 14-acre maze that is located just about 10 minutes outside El Paso City limits. La Union maze will open to the public at the end of September.
“In the last 15 years we have grown, we’ve added all kinds of activities. Back in the day it was a small maze, just a little tent nothing else and people will get lost and leave. Now we have a huge area where people can stay and enjoy,” Sondgeroth said.
To make it unique, a Bhutanese building and UTEP’s logo was also added to the corn maze’s cut out.
Sondgeroth wants to remind the community about UTEP’s commitment to higher education in the borderland area for the last 100 years. So what better way than with a giant birthday cake and carved in an enormous lavish maze, where people can get lost and celebrate UTEP’s momentous occasion.
“We are very exited about our theme this year I think UTEP has been a great institution and has done a terrific job educating for 100 years–– just thinking about the thousands and thousands of people that have been through UTEP. We though it would be great to honor their hundredth year,” Sondgeroth said.
Many UTEP students are looking forward to this event, Gabriela Faivre, senior, special education major, said she attends La Union maze every year with friends, and she is excited to bring her family with her.
“I’m so exited, because it is just a fun event, full of activities. I go every year, and to me it just keeps getting better,” Faivre said. “Getting lost in the maze is a fun adrenaline that one gets into.”
Other students will be experiencing La Union Maze for their first time this year, such as Roy Robertson, senior, multidisciplinary studies major.
“I’ve never been there before so I’m not too sure what to expect but I hope it is something fun to look forward to,” Robertson said.
The employees will hand out maps to attendees, right before entering the maze. Maps will have areas to be on the look out for and will provide an idea to know where you are located. Employees have bridges at the maze and will be walking around just in case someone gets lost.
Sondgeroth advised not to go by yourself, and its best to go with a group of people.
“I think it’s nice to have places where families can have spend time and not worry about anything else for a few hours,” Sondgeroth said. “There isn’t a whole lot of things in El Paso where the whole family can do together, you have something for the kids to do the parents can join, the whole gang is doing something.”
La Union maze provides other activities during the year, such as pig racing, picking out pumpkins at their pumpkin patch, concessions stands, slides, huge jumping pillow that hold up to 15 people, and kettle car rides.
Upcoming themed events are listed below:
On Oct. 4, a cancer awareness guest from NSMU will educate the public the importance of getting checked.
On Oct. 10, couples can come and enjoy romantic music and hang out under a full moon.
On Oct. 31, Halloween costume contest; the winner will win free entrances and food for next years maze.
On Nov. 8, the public will be allowed to bring their pets, for the “bring your pet day.”
For more information log on to their website at www.launionmaze.com
Kimberly Valle may be reached at [email protected].
