Corn maze honors Lewis and Clark's Corp of Discovery

By The Entertainer

PORTLAND — The MAiZE at The Pumpkin Patch kicks off its sixth season Aug. 14 with a new design featuring Sacagewea, the Shoshone Indian maiden who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition. Sacagewea was an important part of the Corps of Discovery as she acted as both a translator and guide. She carried her infant son, Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau (Pomp), on her back throughout the journey.

The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island has been the site of Portland's original cornfield maze for the past four years. The 130,000 plus visitors that have attended the annual event at the farm have found that the two miles pathways inside the corn are more than an aerial piece of art. Visitors that come to test their physical and mental skills find a challenge that all ages can enjoy. The goal of each year's maze is to provide a fun and educational activity for the community while helping to celebrate the Lewis and Clark Expedition journey, rekindle its spirit of discovery, and acclaim the contributions and goodwill of the native peoples.

The MAiZE has developed a curriculum that will teach students about the Lewis and Clark Expedition through on-site educational displays, interactive games and educational "passports".

Lewis and Clark first encountered Sauvie Island in November 1805 and called it Wappato Island, after the large beds of potato-like roots growing, which were called wappato by the local Multnomah Indians. On their return in April 1806, the Corps of Discovery spent time on Sauvie Island hunting and curing meat for the long journey home.

The MAiZE is scheduled to run through Oct. 31 (weather and field permitting). Days and hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Additional nighttime hours and school field trips are also available by reservation.

The MAiZE is located on Sauvie Island, 15 minutes from downtown Portland. Take Highway 30 west toward St. Helens about 12 miles. Turn right at the Sauvie Island junction and cross the island bridge, turn left immediately after descending the bridge and loop back underneath it. The Pumpkin Patch and the MAiZE are located two miles ahead. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12 and seniors, with discounts offered to families, groups and field trips.