Friends of the Orchard
To our surprise, ever since we have moved here we are routinely approached and asked if we would like some help. At first, we understood this to be an offer to help with “testing” our 20+ varieties of apples for taste and quality. Boy, were we mistaken.
On countless occasions, we have had friends, family, and neighbors pop over with gloves in tow to provide us with real, tangible help and support. Without them, our orchard and market would not be the success it has been!
The Rocke Family
From picking apples to washing, packing, and delivering, the Rocke boys have been an invaluable asset to the orchard. Without them who knows how we would have gotten all those apples off the trees! THANK YOU!
The Kiley Family
From tending to gardens, picking apples, washing apples, taking care of our kittens, and more, the Kileys have been an invaluable asset to life at the orchard. Cana also makes the aromatic goat soap you can find in our store—thanks for sharing your talents! THANK YOU!
The Kehn Family
When the Kehn boys are at the orchard we know apples are going to get picked, cleaned, and packed. They are always ready to help with a smile on their face. THANK YOU!
The Nelson Family
Cheryl and Larry have cleaned and packed thousands of apples on the orchard. They also volunteered to help out with AppleFest and met many of you with cheery enthusiasm. THANK YOU!
The Marhold Family
The Marholds have helped tremendously with cider. We always appreciate the whole family jumping in with enthusiasm wherever they are needed, whether it is making cider, picking apples, filling deer apple bags, and more. THANK YOU!
The Strasburg Family
The Strasburgs have come out to the orchard to pick thousands of apples off the trees and to fill deer apple bags for our venison-loving customers. THANK YOU!
The Lawrence Christian Fellowship
Every year students from Lawrence University volunteer at AppleFest, helping with everything including parking, serving food, doling out samples, tending the store, and more. THANK YOU!
The Lawrence Family
With so many kids on the farm, there always seems to be just the right set of hands to help or the brains to provide solutions. Besides being our wonderful friends they have helped pick and pack thousands of apples over the years. THANK YOU!
The Tanglin Family
Tim and his effervescent boys have braved cold temperatures and rain to press some of the best apple cider on the planet. Tracey even chips in, helping keep the boys well fed and watered, being the safety patrol, and quality control. They pay particular attention to the mix of apple varieties that go into the press in order to get just the right balance between sweetness and brightness. THANK YOU!
The Bricco Family
When the Briccos are here, weeds shake in their boots. And besides that, all kinds of odds and ends get sorted. THANK YOU!
“Being at Apple Blossom is a bit like being in paradise. On sunny days the place abounds with amazing sights, smells, and sounds on the outside and no matter the weather there is sunshine inside as you are greeted with a smile, great service, and delicious items. We love it there!”
The Elsbecker Family
The Elsbeckers are another apple cider team that have also helped with numerous projects including recently yanking old apple trees with our tractor and preparing them for a proper retirement ceremony… in our fire pit. They also let us borrow their wonderful giant white tent every year for use at AppleFest. THANK YOU!
The Nelsons
Our neighbors are the best, putting up with our many bonfires, a lawn that isn’t even close to the fairway-style turf they keep, and generously sharing some of their land for tasty produce. THANK YOU!
Last but not least, we thank the many of you that have provided prayers, moral support and a strong back. Our heartfelt thanks to ALL of you.
Want to be a Friend of the Orchard? The only qualifications include the willingness to work for food and a pair of work gloves. :)