Get lost this weekend! A lawn mower-shaped corn maze, flashlight walks after dark, and the return of lawn mower racing will headline Cornerstone Christian School’s annual Corn Maze fundraiser.
The event will run Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. at a new location this year, the Sawatsky Farm at 5089 Hwy. 602 in Emo.
Admission is a suggested donation of $15 per person or $50 for an immediate family. Cash is preferred because cell service at the farm is limited, although organizers hope to have a debit option available.
Fundraising coordinator Jodi Klassen said organizers moved the maze after the land used for previous events became unavailable. The new site, she said, offers a scenic setting along the river.
“It’s a beautiful spot along the river this year,” Klassen said. “We are hoping for great weather for families to come out and enjoy being in nature together.”
Unlike last year, there’s no Friday session. Flashlight night moves to Saturday instead. “Some of the Saturday activities will end at dark,” she said. “So come early to enjoy all the fun and then stay for a fire and flashlights through the maze.” Klassen also stressed that visitors should bring their own flashlights.
On Sunday, the lawnmower races return for a second year, starting at 2 p.m. The races were introduced last year and proved popular enough to inspire this year’s maze design.
Last year, hot laps, or practice runs at full speed, were used to sort drivers into categories. First-, second- and third-place prizes have been donated by Badiuk Equipment, Tompkins Hardware and North Country Track and Wheel.
Organizers are still accepting new racers. Drivers must be 15 or older, and the $40 race fee is paid by e-transfer to finance@cornerstonechristian.ca. Registration is open at jotform.com/form/252538245179060 and closes Thursday, Oct. 1. Spectators can watch the races with regular admission.
Families will find plenty more to occupy themselves: a hay bale tower, slides, a mini hay bale maze, a mini race track for kids, a petting farm, a bouncy castle, hay rides, face painting and barrel train rides. A canteen will also be present on site throughout.
A new addition has also been created by Cornerstone’s Grade 11 and 12 students: an escape room designed especially for the fundraiser.
For Cornerstone, the weekend is more than a fall family outing. Klassen said the corn maze is a major fundraiser for the school and depends heavily on volunteers from the school community.
“Our school receives no support from the government, so we rely fully on tuition from our families, fundraisers, generous donors and supporters to keep our school running,” she said.
Ontario’s Ministry of Education does not provide funding or financial support to private schools.
Klassen said a fundraising team has spent the past four weeks preparing for the event, with dozens of volunteers expected to take shifts throughout the weekend.
“It’s all hands on deck!” she said, describing a large volunteer sign-up circulated through the school community. This community support is a major part of what makes the event possible each year.
“We have an amazing and supportive school community,” Klassen said. “We are very grateful to be able to send our children to a school with such a loving, caring and supportive atmosphere.”
More information and event updates, including lawn mower race registration, are available through the Emo Corn Maze Facebook page.
