Cherry Valley (WREX) – A popular local apple orchard is celebrating a major milestone for their community this weekend.
Valley Orchard celebrated their 45th anniversary with the “Fall 45 Fest” Saturday in Cherry Valley.
The event brings together families from all over the region for a pumpkin carving and scarecrow building competition. There are also many children’s activities and lawn games to play, and antique tractor and engine shows to watch.
Valley Orchard began in 1977 and has grown ever since, and now has more than 5,000 trees on 35 acres.
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Owner Raoul Bergersen said it was “reassuring” to see such overwhelming support from the community after they put in so much work day in and day out.
“It’s almost as if we’re serving our customers … as a service,” Bergersen said. “Our customers keep coming back for 30 years or more over the years and they’re like friends.”
It’s those friendships that are “the best part of this business,” Bergersen said.
Valley Orchard is open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. Valley Orchard is located at 811 E. State St. in Cherry Valley.