Since Apple Festival is just a few short days away, FYN visited with Janice Hale, owner of Hillcrest Orchard to see what they were doing to get ready for the festivities.When asked what they were doing to prepare for the 41st annual Apple Festival, Hale said

“We’re ready. The festival begins here the weekend after Labor Day so we do the routine maintenance prior to that such as painting, weed eating, etc”

she said.

Besides the obvious product of apples, Hale’s business also offers canned goods, sauces, baked goods, pies, cider, pork skins, fudge and currently have a dozen varieties of apples. Other things to do on the farm include the petting zoo, pig races, milking a real cow, wagon rides, giant jumping pillow, playgrounds and a newly added 18 hole miniature golf course. Pig races are an entertaining spectator sport that take place Saturday and Sunday at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30.

Hale said that her father, Hayward Reece founded the orchard in 1946 but she returned after college in 1974. The current market was built in 1979 and the Hillcrest Orchard is over 20 acres. One thing is for sure, if you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained, Hillcrest is a great starting point but once you get them there, they might not want to leave!