WYOMING — Brace’s Orchard made a return visit to Wyoming Area’s Tenth Street Primary Center for Market Day, selling everything from apples to apple cider to apple donuts and more.
Children from grades one through three, along with parents, grandparents and friends participated in Apple Celebration Day Nov. 6 in conjunction with the school’s curriculum about Johnny Appleseed.
“This is the third year that we’re having Brace’s Orchard come to the Primary Center to set up a farmers market,” said Karen Switzer, faculty member and event organizer. “We learned about the idea from Pittston Area, who had a farmers market for many years.”
Switzer said the event has been very successful with parents and grandparents taking part. “The whole community is involved with the market and it’s great because Brace’s Orchard donates money back to the school.”
According to Switzer, the money donated is used for the school-wide Positive Behavior Program where the students can shop at the school store based on good behavior.
Parents enjoy Market Day, including Kate Hosier, of Harding, who looks forward to the event every year. “I come every year to Brace’s Orchard day,” Hosier said. “I love the products, especially the cider and donuts and apples, of course.”
Hosier’s two sons, 7-year-old son Evan and 9-year-old son Hunter, enjoy the products, as well. According to Hosier, Evan, who attends the Primary Center, gets to choose his selection, while Hunter, who attends another building, requests apple dumplings.
Logan Brace of Brace’s Orchard said farm workers prepare long hours to put together a farmers market such as the one held at the Wyoming Area Primary Center. It took over an hour to set up the display stands with items for purchase.
“It’s a lot of preparation to get everything ready,” Brace said. “My mother Luann (Brace) started making the pies and donuts late last night and early this morning.”
Candy and caramel apples, cider and other items are prepared a day or two before an event, according to Brace.
“The students have their teachers or parents with them and they get a little experience shopping for themselves,” Brace said.
Other items sold were apple, pumpkin and peach butter, pure honey, homemade lollipops, chocolate-covered apples, apple pie, fruit pies and pumpkin pie and, of course, apples in all varieties.
“It’s fun,” said 8-year-old Braylon DeLuca. “I love the apple donuts.”
