Owner/operator Beth Siwicky at Cricklewood Farm in Brighton. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
A decades-long tradition, Cricklewood Farm’s fundraising corn mazes are back in Brighton.
The picturesque family-operated farm located on Hwy. 2 has been in operation since the mid-1800s, and since 2001, the Siwicky family has helped more than a dozen area charities and organizations through its fundraising corn mazes.
Over the years, the mazes – usually one large multi-acre and one mini maze – have taken on various shapes and raised thousands for numerous causes and projects, helping organizations like Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, the National Air Force Museum of Canada, Wounded Warriors Canada, PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, Big Brothers, Big Sisters Northumberland, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse Preservation Society, and many more.
For the 2025 season – which officially kicked off Aug. 23 and runs until Nov. 2 – Cricklewood has designed and constructed a six-acre maze and one-acre mini maze, which once again rallied the whole family to pull it all off amid challenging weather conditions, explains owner/operator Beth Siwicky.
This year, funds raised will support local healthcare through a partnership with the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“Last year, they approached us and (asked if) it would be possible to co-ordinate together and fundraise for them and we thought that was a wonderful opportunity,” says Siwicky, noting, over the years, the family has often had to search out charities. “It’s not often that a charity approaches us – I believe they’re about the second charity that has – and we thought it’s a worthwhile cause and definitely wanted to work with them.”
The hope is to raise $2,000 (or more) through maze tours into November to support hospital equipment needs.
While there is no entry fee to the farm – which also has a market, pick-your-own fun and more – there is an admission fee to the maze, and that’s how funds are raised, explains Siwicky. (Admission rates vary by age and are detailed online and at the farm.)
If you’re thinking about tackling the maze journey, Siwicky tells us more about what you should know.
Along the way, there are also dragon-inspired games, informational activities, and more.
Cricklewood Farm is open Thursday to Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. but the last walk through the maze is at 4 o’clock, notes Siwicky.
However, there are two twilight walks towards the end of the season during the last two weekends before Halloween, offering people and families a chance to enter the maze up to 8 p.m.
Cricklewood Farm is located at 14953 Hwy. 2 in Brighton.
Oldies 100.9 is also a media sponsor for the mazes.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
