While growing crops might not seem as scary as the haunters hiding in a corn maze, it is when Lewiston receives a fraction of the rain required for the task.

For the second year, the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Kaufman Farms and the Lewiston Roundup present the 2011 Clearwater Corn Maze, which will be open to the public during the weekend.

The corn maze, which is shaped like Joe Vandal’s head, was originally born as a class project, CALS Associate Dean John Foltz said. The project did not succeed due to lack of water in the area.

Foltz said two years ago, the group tried to plant corn in July, but in September local temperatures were at a record low and the corn snapped.

“The corn broke off at about two feet,” Foltz said. “We had a great corn maze for midgets, so we had to cancel the whole thing.”

Afterward, the Lewiston Roundup, a local rodeo group, came forward to provide land and well water for the corn maze. Foltz said it helps the Roundup because land normally left unused is receiving attention.

Foltz said 26 clubs have put more than 1,000 hours of work into the maze. Their work includes ticket sales, maintaining the plants and haunting the maze.

“It’s experience learning at its best,” he said.

According to the UI website, part of the proceeds will finance student clubs.

The maze will also feature a pumpkin patch, a straw bale maze and other activities.

GET OUT AND GO

What: 2011 Clearwater Corn Maze

When: Fridays and Halloween from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

Where: Lewiston Roundup Grounds

Cost: $5 a person, free for children four and younger