Liberty Apple Orchard Opening for the Season August 11
Hosting benefit for American Cancer Society in October
Liberty Apple Orchard, located on the east side of Edwardsville, will open for apple picking starting on Sunday, August 11 at 12:00pm. The orchard features 20 varieties of apples from August through November. The farm market will be stocked with an abundance of locally grown and made products, including apple baked goods through a new partnership with 222 Artisan Bakery. The orchard will host the popular “Going Gold Kids Fest” on October 12 to benefit pediatric cancer research by the American Cancer Society.
Liberty Apple Orchard is conveniently located near Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Troy, Highland, Granite City and St. Louis, yet still situated in a rural setting. Guest may pick-their-own apples on Saturday from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday from 12:00 - 4:30pm and after school Tuesday– Friday from 2:00 – 5:00pm. On Labor Day the orchard will be open from 10:00 – 3:00pm.
A traditional family orchard, Liberty Apple Orchard is owned and cared for by Lugene and Steve Miller, an “encorepreneur.” “The apple crop is abundant and the picking season is a little earlier this year due to early spring. Many varieties were in bloom in late March rather than in mid-April which is typical in this area. In response to comments from our guests we have expanded our hours this year so that everyone can enjoy the sights and fragrances of autumn and taste a crisp, sweet apple from the tree,” said Steve Miller.
“We are pleased to announce our partnership with 222 Artisan Bakery of Edwardsville who will be providing delectable apple treats made especially for our orchard,” said Lugene Miller. Also new this year is a partnership with Libertyville Coffee Company (Libertyville, IL) who has developed special coffee flavors to compliment apples from the orchard.
“This year we have the farm market bursting with locally grown and made products, including honey from hives on the orchard, apple cider donuts on Saturday mornings, apple butter, “no sugar-added” apple butter and applesauce made from our apples and the ever-popular apple cider slushies,” explained Lugene Miller. In addition, in the farm market you will find cider from Ringhausen Orchard (Fieldon, IL), baking mixes from Kari Lee Specialties (Minnesota), gourmet popcorn from Creekside Kettle Works (Raymond, IL), homemade jams, preserves, salsas and apple barbecue sauce from Kathy’s Kitchen (Virginia, IL), handmade chocolates from A Chocolate Affair (Highland), a larger caramel selection including caramel apple kits by Annie B’s from Minnesota (one of Oprah’s “favorite things”), hand-poured soy candles from Sugar Creek Candle Co. in Highland, aprons made at the farm by Lugene Miller in adult and children sizes, and Liberty Apple Orchard mugs, photo cards and shirts.
Starting in late August, Gala, Blondee, McIntosh and Honeycrisp apples will be the first of 20 varieties ready for picking. By early September, Jonathan, Empire and Cortland apples will be available, followed by Liberty, Fuji, and Ultra Gold varieties. In October, late season Fuji, Braeburn, Ludacrisp, Enterprise, Evercrisp, Candycrisp, Goldrush, Pink Lady and Granny Smith will be available for picking. Sweet Zinger is a new variety available at the orchard this year. Sweet Zinger, a cross between Goldrush and Sweet Sixteen, is expected to ripen in early October.
The orchard will host its fifth “Going Gold Kids Fest” on Saturday October 12 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. All proceeds from the festival will benefit childhood cancer research through the American Cancer Society. This year the festival will include pony rides and a petting zoo from 1:00-3:00 pm, music, apple cider and donuts, face painting, a 50-yard dash for children, raffles, touch a truck and a few surprises,” said Lugene Miller.
“Growing an orchard is a year-round endeavor and it would not be possible to maintain without our dedicated high school and college students and retired folks,” said Steve Miller. The orchard supports the local economy by hiring students from local schools and home school groups. “We try to assist in the development of the students by providing recommendations for college, scholarships and future jobs,” added Steve Miller. This year the orchard has 20 part-time high school, college and retired men and women to assist with pruning in the winter and year-round orchard maintenance.
As in past years, the Millers’ mission is to provide high quality local fresh fruit, an educational experience for children and families, and community participation and outreach. Liberty Apple Orchard will again offer opportunities for class or group field trips to pick apples and learn about growing an orchard (call ahead for arrangements: 618.659.9217).
Liberty Apple Orchard plans to expand its assistance to food banks in the Metro-East and St. Louis areas by partnering again with Operation Food Search and St. Louis Area Foodbank, non-profit food distribution organizations serving Illinois and Missouri. The orchard will also continue direct apple donations to the GlenEd Food Pantry and pantries in in Maryville and Troy.
In addition to providing a local "U-Pick" opportunity, Liberty Apple Orchard's produce is available at Dierberg’s in Edwardsville, Local Harvest in Tower Grove, Three Rivers Community Farm in Elsha and, on Saturday mornings, at the Land of Goshen Farmers’ Market in Edwardsville and the Vine Street Farmers’ Market in O’Fallon. “Also, for the first time we are working to supply local school districts with apples under a special Illinois state program,” added Steve Miller.
Liberty Apple Orchard is located at 8308 Kuhn Station Road, just a few miles east of Edwardsville. From the Meyer YMCA in Edwardsville, go east on Goshen Road approximately two miles, turn right on Staunton Rd., cross the Bike Trail, turn left on Kuhn Station Rd. The orchard and schoolhouse are down the road about one-fourth of a mile on the right. From St. Louis via I-55, take exit 23, travel east on Route 143 for one-fourth mile, turn right on Staunton Rd. and proceed for about a mile. At the “T” with Goshen Rd. turn left and then take the first right back onto Staunton Rd. Cross the Bike Trail and turn left onto Kuhn Station Rd. The orchard is down the road on the right. For further information on the ripening schedule and times and dates for special events, follow us on Facebook (@libertyappleorchard), our website (www.libertyappleorchard.com), or call (618) 659-9217.
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