MANITOWOC, WI – Celebrate two of Wisconsin’s most iconic fruits at the Cranberry Apple Jamboree! The event takes place Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.
There will be several themed activities available throughout the weekend for guests to participate in, such as investigating why cranberries bounce, how an apple’s genetics affect its taste, and what a honey bee’s role is for each of these crops’ success.
The weekend will be highlighted by the opportunity to wade in to a mock cranberry bog and simulate the feeling of a cranberry harvest here in Wisconsin. On Saturday, the Wisconsin Honey Queen will join the event to further the conversation on the importance of the honey bee. Additionally, guests can enjoy a delicious cranberry and apple dish served in the Wisconsin Café.
“Our team is excited to shine a spotlight on two of Wisconsin’s most well-known fruits, the cranberry and the apple, at the start of each of their harvest seasons,” shares Abigail Winkel, Farm Wisconsin program manager. “Both fruits contribute significantly to our state’s economy, and we are proud to showcase a small sliver of Wisconsin’s robust fruit industry.”
The cranberry is Wisconsin’s official state fruit. Wisconsin is the largest producer of cranberries in the United States, growing over 60% of the nation’s crop (Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association).
Wisconsin may not be the top apple producing state but remains well known for its many apple orchards in nearly every county. McIntosh is the most produced variety in the state; it achieves its best flavor grown in colder areas, making it an ideal variety to withstand harsh Wisconsin winters (Mid-West Farm Report).
Access to the Cranberry Apple Jamboree is included in regular admission to Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center
The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center is a state-of-the-art, interactive agricultural education center located in Manitowoc County. Farm Wisconsin connects visitors’ curiosity to the wonder of Wisconsin agriculture and provides guests with a better understanding of their food sources and their importance. The center features 10,000 square feet of hands-on learning opportunities and a birthing barn where visitors may watch calves being born daily. The center was named one of Time for Kids’ World’s 50 Coolest Places of 2019.
Regular Farm Wisconsin admission rates are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 62 and older, and $10 for youth 3-18. Children 2 and younger are admitted free of charge. Farm Wisconsin members are also admitted free of charge. To inquire about membership or other offerings, visit farmwisconsin.org.
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