By Christy Overstreet, Marketing & Communications of Marlboro Electric & Local Editor of SC Living magazine
It has been 75 years since Marlboro Electric Cooperative blew the candles out and brought electricity to Marlboro and Dillon County.  What better way to celebrate than to have a specially designed corn maze, on a local farm that invites families and the community to come together, to celebrate the co-op way!
Marlboro Electric has teamed up with McArthur Farms Market & Bakery to have a corn maze that reflects the significant role electricity and cooperatives has played in the daily life of rural American people.
McArthur Farms Market & Bakery is owned and operated by Rebecca McArthur, and located on Highway 38 South, Bennettsville.  McArthur grows about 250 acres of various berries, vegetables and row crops, such as corn, soy beans and peanuts.
The farm has over 10 acres of corn and five miles of pathway making it the largest maze in South Carolina.  Three different mazes can be found within its entirety.
The largest part of the maze this year is Willie Wiredhand holding a birthday cake in celebration of Marlboro Electric’s 75 years of service. Fun facts, clues and questions give maze participants the opportunity to learn the importance of cooperatives, energy, history, and safety.
The corn maze was planted the first week in July.  When the corn grows at least 10 inches tall, a franchise company, “The Maize,” cuts the design into the corn field.  McArthur Farms then maintains the pathways of design as the corn grows. The corn maze will be open to the public in October to mid-November.
“It’s a time to bring families together for some fun and let them see how important farming is locally and where their food and clothes come from,” McArthur explained.  “Children and adults experience first-hand a working farm with a ‘farm-to-table’ bakery and catering concept.  Fruits and vegetables that we harvest in the morning are in pies, muffins, and breads by the afternoon.”
Before rural America had electricity, getting lost in the dark was like getting lost in a corn maze.  Farms often symbolize rural American history because so many were without electric service.
Over the years as electric cooperatives developed and found their way into communities, rural Americans were given that awesome feeling of when the lights came on, embracing their first magic glow from a hanging light bulb and string.
Marlboro Electric has been more than a service provider.  Its heritage has often served as a testament of hope, growth and togetherness.
Thank you to the Marlboro Electric Board of Trustees, employees, members, and the community for being part of our rich history and promising future.  Marlboro Electric looks forward to celebrating 75 ‘a-mazing’ years of service and serving the community for the next 75 years.  (adv.)