Beggs Family Farm celebrates 75th anniversary of Peanuts

The image provided by Beggs Family Farm of Blodgett depicts the design of this year’s corn maze, which opens Oct. 4. (Image provided)

BLODGETT, Mo. – Kicking off fall festivities for the upcoming 75th Anniversary of Charles Schulz’ Peanuts, the world’s most beloved comic strip, Peanuts Worldwide and Beggs Family Farm will demonstrate that “Happiness is…a corn maze!” as they prepare to open a Peanuts-­themed maze, created in collaboration with the world’s largest corn maze consulting company, The MAiZE Inc.

“We’re thrilled to work with Peanuts Worldwide and The MAiZE to bring Schulz’ characters to life in our corn maze,” said Bryce Beggs, manager,ofBeggs Family Farm. “Visitors will love interacting with Snoopy in a hands-on way they may never have experienced before! We’re honored to help celebrate the 75th anniversary events commemorating Charles Schulz and Peanuts.”

The maze, which will feature Snoopy, will cover nine acres and have two paths. It will be open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 4-27. Admission is $17.95 online per person.

Beggs Family Farm in Blodgett is one of more than 75 farms in North America selected by Peanuts Worldwide to create a Peanuts maze this year. Collectively, the farms—which span 35 states and provinces, from California to New York, Ontario to Texas—are expected to attract more than two million visitors. 

“For 75 years, Peanuts has charmed, delighted, and moved fans through my father’s creativity and wit—and what a wonderful way to celebrate his work than with the ingenuity of these Peanuts corn mazes!” said Jill Schulz, daughter of Charles Schulz. “It will be a thrill to see Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang rising from the heartland, and I just wish my dad could see his creations ‘writ large.’”

Brett Herbst, founder of The MAiZE, said after the tremendous success of our 2016 collaboration, when millions of visitors in communities around the world visited the Peanuts-themed corn mazes, it’s a privilege and a delight to once again partner with Peanuts Worldwide in honor of their 75 years.

“We salute the genius of Charles Schulz and couldn’t be happier to celebrate this milestone by bringing families together to create new and lasting memories,” Herbst said.

Fun Facts for Peanuts Fans

— On Oct. 2, 1950 Peanuts made its debut in just seven U.S. newspapers.

— Charlie Brown is the only character to appear in the first Peanuts comic strip and the last one (Feb. 13, 2000).

— Charlie Brown and Charles Schulz both had fathers who were barbers.

— Linus carrying his ever-present blanket was inspired by Schulz’ own children.

— Charles Schulz coined the term “security blanket.”

Snoopy was so popular as a write-in candidate for president in 1968 and 1972 that California passed a law against writing in fictional characters.

— Viewers of the Peanuts Halloween special felt so badly for Charlie Brown (“I got a rock”) that they mailed candy to him in care of Charles Schulz’ office.

— My sweet babboo”—Sally’s pet name for Linus—is the phrase Schulz’ wife, Jean, used for him!

75 Years of Peanuts

In 1950, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang were first introduced to the world. In the 75 years since, Peanuts has become a global phenomenon, encompassing award-winning animated content, stage shows and live experiences, high profile collaborations, and retail programs around the world. Artists, musicians, philosophers, and fans have been inspired by Charles Schulz’ creation for over seven decades and there is no end in sight for this beloved cast of characters who speak so beautifully and simply to the human experience.