They come away from the event with apples, apple pies, pumpkins and often photos of the youngest members of the family clinging to pumpkins that are almost bigger than themselves.

“We have heard so many stories of our guests coming for years and how much they enjoy it,” said Emily Stucky, co-owner of Community Orchard. “We love seeing all of the customers and hearing where they travel from, as well as we remember going as young kids ourselves.”

Established in 1952, Community Orchard at 2237 160th St. is one of the most unique and diverse businesses in Webster County.

It consists of four different operations. The orchard consists of 5,000 to 6,000 apple trees on 38 acres. Those trees produce 15 varieties of apples. Additionally, there is a restaurant, shop and the Back 40 play area.

-Messenger file photos by Britt Kudla
Ashton Amonson, 4, of Eagle Grove, picks out a pumpkin on Oct. 15, 2023, during Apple Fest at The Community Orchard.

In the spring of 2022, Denny and Emily Stucky became the owners of Community Orchard. They took over from longtime owners Greg and Bev Baedke, who helped them learn the ins and outs of the business.

“It came out of nowhere,” Denny Stucky told The Messenger when the purchase was announced.

“We were eating dinner on vacation and it came up in conversation that they would think about selling the orchard,” he said. “At the end of the conversation, we got to talking and got excited about the opportunity and the chance to be part of it and continue the way the orchard was.”

Since 2022, Community Orchard has partnered with a couple of local businesses to offer new products.

Cider was sent from the orchard to Soldier Creek Winery for some limited production wines. The Stucky’s hope to someday expand that business when cider production increases.

Cider also goes to River Hops brewing, where it is made into Dale’s Apple Ale.

They’ve also added to the Orchard Cafe’s menu, including a new apple cider donut, using the orchard’s cider, as well as a strawberry streusel and a blueberry streusel.

Denny Stucky is making some changes to the orchard itself, using new technology that allows trees to be planted more densely so he can plant more trees per acre and increase the orchard’s crop yield.

Community Orchard was founded by Paul and Edna Otto.