Senior group explores Flathead orchards
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Cherry fans visiting fruit stands around Flathead Lake aren’t unusual this time of year. But it was unusual when 160 people arrived on four big tour buses to take a look at cherry orchards on Aug. 2, according to Ken Edgington, a cherry grower who also serves on the board of directors of Flathead Lake Cherry Growers.
Calling themselves the La Hacienda Reunion, the visitors were senior citizens from La Hacienda RV Park in Apache Junction, Ariz. Every year they choose a location in the United States and “off they go,” Edgington said. Last year their destination was Vermont, and this year they visited Montana. Coming off a visit to Glacier National Park, the La Haciendians wanted to learn more about Flathead cherries and visit an orchard.
Bruce Johnson, also a member of the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers, worked with the La Hacienda tour director to arrange a tour.
The only problem was where to park the buses, Edgington said.
Dale Nelson, president of the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers and owner of Blue Bay Orchards, stepped up to the plate. The buses squeezed into his parking lot, with enough space for loading and unloading.
Ducking under cherry-laden limbs, the seniors visited a mature orchard and also a high-density orchard just planted this year. FLCG members talked to them about the history of Flathead cherries, the varieties of cherries grown and the life of a cherry farmer.
As a treat, the group each received about a pound of Flathead cherries, but many of them purchased 3-pound bags or even 18-pound boxes of fresh cherries for the road.
