HARRISBURG, S.D. (KELO) — It’s opening week at Country Apple Orchard.
Friday is the first day of its Fall Festival.
“We’ve got over 20 attractions,” general manager Amber Halvorson said. “A few new ones for everybody, a racetrack and a bail slide but also some of our favorites are returning.”
Visitors can also pick their own apples again this year, too. Prices are based on peck or bushel, but it’s no cost to simply take a stroll through the orchard.
“We want to give a lot of people experiences that they might not get,” crew member Patrick Klotzbach said. “Some live in town, some don’t have the means to get out to a farm or something like that. So, we try to bring the farm to them.”
There’s no shortage of supply, with the orchard’s 50-plus acres of apple trees. Staff said even given some excessive heat and heavy rainfall this summer, their produce has held up well.
“The wind didn’t hurt us too bad. Some of the trees did see a little bit of hurt from that, but overall, we can’t complain,” Halvorson said.
It’s not just apples. There are also pumpkins for sale and a revamped food court for visitors to check out.
“Whether you’re here for the festival or the food trucks or apple picking or shopping at our country store, everything’s ready to go for everybody this fall,” Halvorson said.
Country Apple Orchard is open now through the final weekend in October. The Fall Festival is open Fridays through Sundays. Friday admission, not including tax, is $12.50 per person. Saturday and Sunday is $15.50 without tax. Those under 35″ are free.
The Country and Candy Store, U-Pick Shack and regular apple picking hours are Wednesday through Sunday.
Specific hours and apple updates are available here.
