A Bushel and a Peck: Duluth Hosts Fourth Annual Apple Palooza
This article was originally published in the October print edition of The Bark, distributed at the University of Minnesota Duluth campus.
This year’s Apple Palooza held at Beaver River Farm. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
In traditional Duluth fashion, this year's Apple Palooza appeared to attract the whole city with local vendors, food trucks, live music, a petting zoo and of course, apples! This past weekend, all of this goodness could be found just a short drive out of town at Beaver River Farm.
Attendees shop at the multiple tents of local artisans. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
The annual event is put on by Dixon’s Apple Orchard, based in Chippewa County, Wi. The orchard has a long history, originating in New Mexico in 1944. It has always been a family operation with current owners Becky and Jim Mullane employing their three children and their families to grow the farm.
Becky Mullane was raised just a mile up the road from Beaver River Farm and now that the orchard is just next door in Wisconsin, due to the move in 2014, she wanted to honor her roots and serve the Duluth community.
“She wanted to bring our food up to where home is for her and it’s really been a hit,” said Luke Mullane, Becky and Jim’s firstborn.
Dixon’s is also filling a hole in the community. According to Luke Mullane, the family noticed there are not many orchards in the area and wanted to make sure the people of Duluth are reaching their apple intake.
The event featured bins of apples — sorted by variety — that guests could grab from to fill their bags. Photo by Finlee Matejcek
Their hypothesis was correct because although Applepalooza is only four years old, it has been well received and is growing fast. The Mullane family puts a lot of planning into the event and is constantly working to make it better. They have been making changes and improvements each year to better serve their audience.
“Right after the event ends, we are already starting to plan for next year,” Luke Mullane said. “We advertise like crazy so people are excited to come to this event. Especially families with kids because we've got face painting, a petting zoo and a bouncy house.”
Attendees of all ages could be seen walking around the farm with a half-eaten apple in hand– thanks to the free samples offered in the barn. The samples featured their famous Champagne apple, a variety unique to Dixon’s.
Many walked away with their bellies full of warm cider and a peck in hand, ready to begin the fall season.