For those who grew up in Gwinnett or have been a longtime local, the Buford Corn Maze likely holds a special place in your heart. Known for its themed corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall, this attraction has been the premier spot for family-friendly fun since its inception. Over the weekend, the Buford Corn Maze hosted a new butterfly release event that was truly extraordinary. The event was part of an initiative by the new owners of the Buford Corn Maze to give visitors exciting and engaging experiences. It was also a collaboration with another attraction they own, known as the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm, which offers visitors an immersive butterfly experience.
Kicking off this family-friendly event, everyone gathered around a large cart full of vibrant flowers. Having the flowers nearby ensures that the butterflies have a place to go once they’re released. The husband, who runs the maze with his wife, gave a short speech about how special the event is, specifically in raising awareness of butterflies in our environment and how to support them. The excitement was buzzing as the workers passed around tiny envelopes, each holding a Painted Lady butterfly. For those unfamiliar with the name, Painted Lady butterflies are often the ones you imagine when you think of a butterfly. They’re characterized by beautiful, golden, orange, and brown wings.
The butterflies were placed into a temporary hibernation state by being in cooler temperatures before going into the release envelopes. This allows for an easy and safe way to transport the butterflies. Once everyone was given an envelope, a quick countdown was given to release the butterflies at the same time. Some of the butterflies immediately flew to the flowers or up into the sky, while others took a minute to fully wake up and warm up. Getting to see dozens of butterflies flutter around the flowers and spread their wings open was such a magical sight. Afterwards, families were welcome to check out the assortment of food on-site from boiled peanuts to delicious desserts, take a complimentary tractor ride, or take a look at the farm animals before heading out.
Although this unique event has passed, the Buford Corn Maze has another new addition coming this June in the form of a Sunflower Maze! The owner shared that the theme for the maze will be The Wizard of Oz. They’ll have every variety of sunflowers you can think of to create a beautiful maze, perfect for taking aesthetic pictures and, of course, exploring. Keep an eye out on their socials for an announcement of the Sunflower Maze’s opening date.
