ORANGE COUNTY, Va. — Liberty Mills Farm, a nationally recognized family owned farm and pumpkin patch, abruptly closed to the public this week after an incident at its corn mazes, owners Kent and Evie Woods posted on Facebook.
"This past weekend, at ages 70 and 63, we were accused of being incompetent owners, having a beautiful farm and maze but poor customer service, being unwelcoming and not being able to solve simple problems or train our staff adequately. Staff, along with myself, were threatened with physical violence and a phone was repeatedly shoved in my face. We were sworn at and accused of being racist," the post read. "Effective today, we are closing the farm, corn maze and pumpkin patch for the season... The anger directed towards our family and staff, the loss of sleep and continuous stress are not worth continuing operations. We will no longer accept the venom that is directed at us personally."
The owners told WCAV they kicked multiple groups out of the event Saturday and even sheriff's office involved once they felt threatened.
The Woods' statement indicated they would evaluate whether or not to reopen in 2026 and tickets purchased for this season will be refunded.
Supporters reacted with shock and sadness in the Facebook comments.
"We are saddened and frustrated that you all are having to deal with this! Liberty Mills has been a highlight of our falls for the past 4 or 5 years, and the owners and staff treat each guest like family, making sure that we all leave with smiles," Angelica Jackman posted.
"This is so sad to read! My family and I have came to the farm in many different occasions and never once felt that way," Ronee Bishop added.
Anyone who wants to share their experiences at Liberty Mills can do so here.
"Over the years we have received negative reviews and except for a few of them, who simply did not enjoy their experience, we can still tell you what they did that caused their negative reaction to us," the Woods said in their statement. "We guess it is our fault that we catch them with dangerous behavior in our activity area, or not following our rules which are meant to protect them, and it’s our fault when they read our closing times wrong and then don’t open for their convenience and it’s also our fault when they can’t communicate with their group. It’s our fault they can’t get to the farm on time, and it’s our fault when we catch people trespassing. Do we need to continue?"
Located about 90 minutes northwest of Richmond, Liberty Mills Farm corn mazes has been ranked in the Top 5 of USA Today's corn mazes nationwide.
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