A corn maze east of Edmonton is honouring Dolly Parton’s widespread, beloved legacy the best it knows how: with an intricate design of her face. The Maizex Corn Maze in Kitscoty, Alta., is one of 20 across North America (and one of two in Canada) honouring the 31st anniversary of Parton’s Imagination Library program. Said program has provided more than 300 million free books to children from birth to age five across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and Ireland since its creation in 1995. Each month, the Imagination Library mails more than three million age-appropriate books directly to enrolled children’s homes at no cost. Parton’s father, who was unable to read or write, was the inspiration for the program. Parton herself was “a farmer, just like her daddy; he farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness,” her family said in announcing her death. The 80-year-old legend in both the country music and philanthropy scene died peacefully in her Nashville home on Tuesday. Her loss was felt across the world. The maze designs come from Utah-based company The Maize. Each participating farm donates a portion of proceeds to further support the Imagination Library. While navigating the mazes, guests look for clues and play a Dolly Parton-themed quiz game. The Kitscoty maze, which is around 200 kilometres east of Edmonton, will also have themed sparkly drinks and treats. Online and onsite donations to the Kitscoty maze will go to the Imagination Library hosted in nearby community Lloydminster. Previous The Maize honorees include Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan and Lainey Wilson. The Kitscoty corn maze is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $13 per person. More details can be found online.
