Wiard’s Orchards Country Fair has opened to the public for its annual fall festivities from Sept. 9 through Oct. 29, guests can experience all the fall entertainment the orchard has to offer.
Located at 5565 Merritt Rd, the orchard features many attractions including an animal petting farm, a corn maze, old west wagon rides, apple and pumpkin picking, playgrounds, Valley View mountain slides and more. In October, it hosts six different haunted attractions, one of the attractions Wiard’s Night Terrors is one of the largest haunted thrill parks in Michigan.
The orchard’s operating hours this fall season are Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wiard’s orchard is closed on Mondays and the fair is closed on Tuesdays with the store remaining operational during the orchard’s opening hours.
The orchard boasts a cider mill that has been operating for over 186 years. Along with the cider mill, the Wiard’s Country Store and Farm Bakery offers its guests a “step back in time” shopping experience. The store features farm fresh pies, cider mill donuts, delicious apple fritters and fresh-pressed cider. In addition, they offer hand-dipped caramel apples, jams and jellies.
“The cider press became a family entertainment center over the years. There is something for everybody to enjoy,” Rose Timbers, events coordinator of the Wiard’s orchard country fair, said.
There is also a gift shop with souvenirs for the whole family. For non-hungry customers, they offer a Wiard’s Museum that features over 186 years of Wiard’s history.
Wiard’s farm has been operating since 1837. It was first owned by the Wiard's family and passed down from generation to generation. It is one of the few longtime operated family owned businesses in the state of Michigan.
When the farm opened in 1837, it was solely an apple orchard and cider mill. It also used to operate and produce vinegar. The fair began in the 1980s as an activity center. Now, Wiard’s is more than just an orchard.
The orchard has seasonal staff that return year after year. This includes members from different generations of the Wiard’s family working at the orchard.
“Our fabulous staff members aim to please the customers and do what needs to be done to keep Wiard’s great.” Timbers said.
For more information on Wiard’s Orchard and County Fair, visit their website.
