How a Seasonal Attraction Easily Handles Nonstop Group Visits

It’s been great for keeping things organized. The front staff know when people are coming in and have all the contact information they need.” - Jesse Kraay, Owner of Edmonton Corn Maze

In Alberta’s countryside, the Edmonton Corn Maze has become something of a tradition—the kind of place families return to year after year to get lost on purpose. 

What started 25 years ago, after Jesse and his co-founder Dan finished university, has grown into a beloved seasonal attraction, drawing nearly 50,000 visitors each fall and evolving far beyond the maze itself. Today, guests wander sunflower fields, visit animals, book fire pits, celebrate birthdays, and reserve picnic areas that fill up quickly on busy weekends.

But running a large, seasonal attraction—one that serves corporate groups, school tours, youth organizations, and families all at once—comes with serious operational complexity. Reservations needed to be fast, reliable, and easy for both staff and guests. Before long, the old paper-and-phone method made it difficult to see who booked what, and when. Double-booking risks, missing details, and endless follow-up messages became a drain on time during the peak season.

To create a smoother experience for visitors and a clearer system for the team, Jesse Kraay turned to an online booking software for small businesses: YouCanBookMe.

Why YouCanBookMe: Jesse's story

The challenge

Before YouCanBookMe, group visits at the Edmonton Corn Maze were tracked through scattered messages, phone calls, and handwritten notes. In a busy, seasonal operation with large group reservations, staying organized became increasingly difficult.

You’d sit there and you would not remember a phone call or a message from weeks ago, not to mention there would be a few times when you’d double book something.”

Without a centralized system, important details slipped through the cracks, and scheduling conflicts were hard to avoid. Jesse needed a booking process that captured information consistently, eliminated guesswork, and ensured every group showed up when the team was ready for them.

The solution

To simplify the growing number of group visits, Jesse turned to YouCanBookMe, giving schools, youth groups, and organizations a single place to book without needing staff intervention.

We’ve got the booking link on our website, and we just direct people there as quickly as possible when they’re inquiring.”

Once YouCanBookMe was in place, group scheduling became far more predictable. Instead of manually recording names, times, and headcounts, bookings now arrive fully detailed and automatically synced to the team’s calendar. Staff instantly know who’s coming, when they’re arriving, and how to reach them if plans change.

What used to require callbacks and careful note-taking now runs quietly in the background—giving the team a structured, reliable system to rely on throughout their busiest months.

The outcome

With YouCanBookMe running in the background, the team at Edmonton Corn Maze finally had breathing room. Group visits stopped catching staff off guard, and everyone had the information they needed well in advance.

It’s been great for keeping things organized… The front staff know when people are coming in and have all the contact information they need.”

This clarity made each visit smoother. Staff could plan ahead, communicate with groups before arrival, and adjust easily when plans changed. Instead of reacting, the team could now prepare—creating a more polished, professional experience for every school, club, and organization.

Visitors also felt the difference. Booking was quick, expectations were clear, and communication was consistent. What once felt uncertain became a dependable, well-run system that supported both the business and the families who visit each season.

YouCanBookMe didn’t just make scheduling easier—it elevated the guest experience, strengthened internal operations, and gave Jesse’s team a tool that scales along with their busiest months of the year.

✨ Bonus ✨ Learn from the pros—Jesse’s top business advice

Jesse believes success doesn’t come from waiting for perfect conditions; it comes from starting.

Just go do it. If you have an idea, give it a try. You never know. Things usually take time. But if you don’t try, then you don’t know.”

For him, momentum begins with courage: the willingness to act, learn, and adjust along the way. It’s a mindset that has shaped the corn maze year after year and a reminder that the biggest opportunities often reveal themselves only once you take the first step.

From seasonal chaos to confident coordination

For Jesse and the team at Edmonton Corn Maze, YouCanBookMe has become a quiet but powerful part of their operations. What once relied on memory and handwritten notes, is now supported by a system that keeps everyone aligned. Staff know exactly who’s coming and when, visitors receive clear confirmation, and the overall experience feels far more organized.

Instead of spending time sorting out scheduling details, the team can focus on what they do best—welcoming schools, youth groups, and families to enjoy the maze.

Jesse’s experience is proof that even a simple step toward automation can create meaningful impact in a seasonal, high-traffic business.

If you’re ready to bring that same ease and predictability to your own scheduling, create your free YouCanBookMe account today and see how much smoother your busiest days can be.