Applepalooza takes place at Collegeville Orchards
College Orchards hosts annual Applepalooza event with fall activities, a petting zoo and live music.
An autumn opportunity was held Saturday the 21st at Collegeville Farms in the form of Applepalooza. There, students were able to enjoy activities such as pumpkin painting, a petting zoo and live music by the two-man band Groovy Shoes. The festivities presented were the perfect launch to the season of fall, which began on September 22nd, a day also known as the Autumn Equinox.
What caught the eye of many as they arrived at the farm, either by services provided by the Link bus or their own transportation, was the crowd of people standing outside of a red farmhouse. In front of the farmhouse was a set of wooden benches, where attendees could choose from a wide array of pumpkins to paint. Within the farmhouse was the store, selling an assortment of seasonal goods such as apple cider, apples, squash and pumpkins. For those looking for a way to bring the atmosphere of the season to their own home, they also sold candles finely scented to aromas we have grown accustomed to when the days begin to grow shorter. Alongside the candles were cookbooks detailing how to make treats such as apple pie or pumpkin pie. The rustic inside of the farmhouse, with the sound of boards creaking underneath the feet of shoppers and muffled music, left a cozy imprint in anyone’s mind. Next to the farmhouse was the stable, where the petting zoo was located. There, goats, sheep, ponies and ducks were eagerly waiting for people to feed them. Some of the goats could more fittingly be called pigs, based on how they clashed with their barn mates whenever a hand clutching food hovered before them. Every animal could be petted, making the area tremendously popular among event attendees.
Upon stepping outside of the stable, one would observe Groovy Shoes playing an arrayed setlist. Each member is skilled on several instruments, including guitar, saxophone, bell chimes and a kazoo. In front of the small stage were benches and seats for music-lovers to relax and enjoy the show.
With all of these attractions and an open pumpkin patch to boot, it is no wonder why such an event is perfect for the season of fall and can bring together a community during this time of year. It is encouraging and inspiring to see a small farm able to make an impact in its local community and serve as a hopeful example for any aspiring small-business owner looking to begin their entrepreneuring career. Applepalooza, and Collegeville Orchards, has a deep impact on the Collegeville and St. Joseph communities, allowing residents of the small towns to come together and enjoy themselves.
“Applepalooza is usually one of our busiest times of the year,” said Todd Beumer, head of Collegeville Orchards. “It’s always great to see new faces from CSB+SJU. Some of them have never experienced farm life before, so it’s great to be able to expose them to new customs.”
At CSB+SJU, students are fortunate enough to live so close to an event that maintains the old-fashioned method of celebrating the change of seasons. Collegeville Orchards opens its doors for the year in late Aug. and provides fresh harvested fruit until the onset of winter. The store is open daily from 10a.m. to 6p.m., where they sell apples and allow guests to access the petting zoo as they browse.
Small-town orchards have a nostalgic value in the Midwest with pumpkin patches, tractor rides, and corn mazes. Collegeville Orchards provides a way to spend an autumn afternoon only a few miles from campus.
