It’s one of the best times of the year: corn maze reveal time!
This year, we’re getting Mazed and Confused.
This special design pays tribute to one of Austin’s favorite sons—the one and only Matthew McConaughey. Come out to Barton Hill Farms to solve the 5-acre corn maze which includes a image of the actor in his breakout role in the 1993 film Dazed and Confused, and of course, those infamous bongos!
Why Matthew McConaughey?
Well, why not? But here’s what Barton Hills Farms co-owner Craig Swanson had to say:
“With all the changes happening in and around Austin these days, we wanted to remind everyone of when our sleepy little town was a little less hip and a lot more hippy. Dazed and Confused is a cult classic that really embodies the city we were drawn to decades ago. We think it’s important that we all try to do our part to keep the original Austin spirit alive.”
Sounds pretty alright, alright, alright.
Young Corn + Texas Heat = A Farming Challenge!
Planting a corn maze during Central Texas summers can be a challenge any year. But 2022’s weather conditions really gave us a challenge! July provided no rain and temperatures above 105°F by day and 80°F by night. With those warm nighttime temperatures, the ground couldn’t cool off, leading to many of the original corn plants getting scorched as soon as they poked through the soil.
Fortunately, thanks to our fantastic team of farm hands, we were able to re-plant those areas (by hand!) and get them well-established. With lots of rain in late August and supplemental irrigation, the maze is looking great! Plants will reach 7’ to 8’ tall by the time we open later this month.
Fun Facts about Matthew McConaughey
You know him as an actor, but there’s a lot more to this long-time Austinite than on-screen talent! Learn some fascinating facts about Matthew McConaughey before you get Mazed and Confused with us.
- He’s Done Some A-List Dating
Before meeting his wife, model Camila Alves, he was attached to several famous actresses, including Ashley Judd, Penelope Cruz, and Sandra Bullock.
- He’s a Philanthropist
Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves have founded their own nonprofit, the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation. Its mission is to empower high school students and provide them with tools for healthier living.
One of their more recent projects has been fundraising for the Uvalde, TX community in the wake of the tragic shooting. McConaughey was born in Uvalde, making this cause particularly personal to him.
- He’s a Free Spirit
Anyone who was paying attention back in 1999 knows about that bongo incident.
We say if a man wants to indulge in a little nude bongo playing in the comfort of his own home, that’s his business.
- You Can Call Him “Professor McConaughey”
Matthew McConaughey graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993 with a degree in Radio-Television-Film. With 30 years of experience under his belt, he now gives back, serving as a visiting instructor at UT starting in 2015, and an official faculty member as of 2019 teaching an advanced filmmaking class.
- He’s An Animal Lover
McConaughey has always been a pet lover, but he dialed it up in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. When a doctor was stranded in New Orleans for a week with 50 pets, McConaughey helped to ferry out 50 dogs, 18 cats, and 2 hamsters.
- He’s An Investor
He’s invested in several tech companies including Unite Us, Homebase, Salesforce, and 1Password. He’s also invested in some local brands, including Workrise, an Austin-based company that matches skilled employees with energy industry employers. And he’s invested in Austin FC and the new Moody Center.
In his own words: “I look for companies that have a purpose to uplift, empower, construct, redefine, and bring a new or renewed health to individuals, communities, and systems.”
- He’s UT’s “Minister of Culture”
First a graduate, then a professor, now the Minister of Culture!
This role involves being the general hype man at the new $338 million Moody Center on campus, keeping sports fans psyched and encouraging world-class acts to book concerts at the arena.
- He Has An Unusual Collection
Some people collect antiques. Others collect art. Matthew McConaughey collects Aistream trailers, which he keeps in the backyard of his Austin home.
- Texas Governor McConaughey?
The McConaughey name has been bandied about in recent years as a possible political candidate. While he didn’t throw his hat into the ring for the 2022 election cycle, there’s always the future. In an interview about the possibility of running, he said, “I am not—until I am.”
It certainly wouldn’t be the first time an actor stretched their range for politics! Arnold Schwarzenegger served as California’s governor from 2003 to 2007, and of course, Ronald Reagan was an actor before he became president in 1981.
Save the Dates!
The Barton Hill Farms Fall Festival, Pumpkin Patch, and Corn Maze will be here before you know it! Solve the Mazed and Confused corn maze and spend a day out on the farm. Are you planning to come? It’d be a lot cooler if you did…
Fall Festival Schedule
October 1 – Nov 6, 2022
Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Columbus Day: 10:00am – 5:00pm
