Busy weekend offers plenty to do

MHHS presents "Magical Lamp of Aladin" Oct 23-25

Mountain Home High School's Encore Company will present "The Magical Lamp of Aladdin," Oct. 23-25 starting at 7 p.m. in the high school gym.

Tickets, sold at the door, are $3 for students and $5 for adults.

"The Magical Lamp of Aladdin," a story by Tim Kelly, is a story of Aladdin, his monkey sidekick, Alakazam, and the beautiful Princess Jasmine.

Evil magician Jammal tries to trick Aladdin into giving him a magical lamp containing a wish-granting genie. Aladdin, however, claims the magic lamp for himself and uses its power to win the princess and impress the Sultan.

Jammal then manages to regain possession of the lamp and kidnaps Jasmine. To help set things right, Aladdin must face Chop-Chop, the merciless executioner, and at last, he is reunited with Jasmine.

A'maze'ing corn Mase

by Michael Nowotny

This year marks the second year that Quey and Merleen Johns have created the Queysmaze on their ranch on Highway 78 near Bruneau Dunes State Park.

The 15-acre cornfield maze is shaped like the state of Idaho, including identifying 15 cities and several of the mountain ranges. The cities are cut out in a circle and each one has a posted sign depicting the name and historical facts about the city.

At the Quesymaze, there are four entrances that lead into four separate mazes, which can take anywhere from half an hour to two hours to negotiate, depending on their skills as a navigator.

"Perhaps the best thing about coming to this maze is the quiet country atmosphere, no busy traffic and a huge maze that can take a very long time to get through," said Merleen Johns.

"Both children and adults can come away with an increased understanding and appreciation of our state. As an educator myself, I appreciate time for recreation but if that can be combined with purposeful learning, it is even better."

Next to the maze is a large pumpkin patch with pumpkins of all sizes and variety. There is no cost to visit the patch and guests are welcomed to take one home for the season for $1 and up, depending on the size of the pumpkin.

A hayride will be offered for those who want a rustic trip about the farm and a close-up view of the Bruneau Dunes.

The Queysmaze will close on Sunday, Nov. 2. The hours of operation for the Queysmaze are Fridays from 4-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The maze will be opened to reservation Monday-Friday afternoon. For reservations call 366-7734.

The cost for admission to the maze is $8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old and free for children four years old and under. The cost for associated hayrides is $5 for adults, $3 for children 5-12 years old, $1 for children two to four years old and free for children under two years of age.

To get to the Queysmaze from Mountain Home, get on Airbase Road heading west from the railroad underpass. At about one mile from the underpass, turn south on Highway 51 towards Nevada or the Bruneau Dunes State Park. Drive about 15 miles, cross the Snake River, then take the first left onto Highway 78 heading east. Follow the signs. The maze is about three miles from that intersection.

"We hope this will encourage more people to stay close to home, save on gas and enjoy Idaho," said Johns.

When the maze project ends, the Johns said they plan on turning the area into a paintball battleground.

WECRD run run/walk Saturday

The Recreation Foundation of Elmore County, Inc. (RFEC) and the Western Elmore County Recreation District (WECRD) will host its Sixth annual "Adult Fun Run/Walk" On Oct. 25, starting at 9:30 a.m., in conjunction with the Elmore Medical Center's Eighth annual "Health and Wellness Day," which will be held at Hacker Middle School from 7-11 a.m.

The fun run/walk will be a 2-mile course. Participants may choose to stroll through the course or "hit the ground running" at 9:30 a.m. in front of Hacker Middle School on Jackson Street. Participants may pre-register until Oct. 23. Registration forms can be found online at www.wecrdgov.org and should be mailed to P.O. Box 1347, or dropped off at the WECRD office at 140 North 3rd East St. Individuals also may register on Oct .25 from 8:30-9:15 a.m. at Hacker Middle School.

A number of local businesses donated prizes to be awarded following the fun run/walk, including: Les Schwab Tires -- free thrust alignment worth $51.95; Domino's Pizza -- four certificates for one large, single topping pizza; Patsy's Hair Design -- one haircut and one manicure worth $37; A-Z Lumber and Hardware -- $25 equipment rental gift certificate and hat; Desert Mountain Sports -- motorsport gloves worth $20.95; Hedda's Gifts -- $15 gift certificate; Jim's Lumber and Building Supply -- $25 gift certificate; Mountain Home Commercial Tire -- one free oil change worth $40; Brown Wrapper Framing -- two coupons for 20 percent off framed art or metal art; Wondertrail -- $10 gift card.

All participants of the walk/run will be given a ticket for a chance to win one of the prizes. Those who preregister by Oct. 23 will receive an extra ticket.

The Recreation Foundation of Elmore County requests a donation at the time of registration. All proceeds go to supporting the construction of the Recreation Center Complex.

For more information contact event coordinators Rebecca Ainslie-Perez or Nancy Sobien at 580-2377.