Harvest Time at the Apple Castle

WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP, Pa.-- Several trees along Wilmington Road at the Apple Castle hang heavy with ripening fruit.  The harvest season is underway as crews pick and clean the apples for market.  Now the Johnston family and staff at the orchard are preparing for the annual fall harvest festival.   

On Oct. 13, the Apple Castle opens for a free community event, rain or shine.  It runs from 9 to 5 and includes live entertainment, hayrides, craft vendors and lots of food for sale.  It's a chance for anyone to try the homemade donuts, apples and other produce from the farm and orchard. 

WCN's Kendall Hunter follows Apple Castle operator Steve Johnston in the orchard.  Watch for WCN's upcoming stories that take you behind the scenes of the family farm that's grown fresh local fruit since 1861.

Johnston is the sixth generation of his family to run the family farm that's more than 150 years old.  He shows us a little trick of how to break open an apple without a knife. 

The Johnston family began farming in the heart of Western Pennsylvania in 1861.  The Apple Castle includes 145 acres, growing approximately 50 varieties of apples, plus peaches, nectarines, blueberries, raspberries, our famous sweet corn, and a number of other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Do you want to know what fruit is ripe and ready this week or during the week's to come.  The Apple Castle posts a ripening schedule online.  The weather conditions can quickly change the schedule, so the staff says you should always call ahead (724-652-3221).

Find the Apple Castle on Facebook.

WCN's Anthony Humes and Kendall Hunter spent time in the orchard shooting upcoming stories this week that will take you behind the scenes at this local landmark.