It's Apple Picking Time

Photo by Dale Merrill

When Laurie Peltier and her husband Ray purchased McCallum’s Orchard in March of 2017 they knew they had a lot of work ahead of them. Over the past decade parts of the 77 acres, which originated as a peach farm in the 1930’s and expanded from there, was in need of some TLC.

Photo by Dale Merrill

Not afraid to roll their sleeves up and get their hands dirty, the two, along with their two young daughters, started right away in sprucing the place up. Along with clearing up and tearing the overgrown brush and grass around the 25 different varieties of apple trees they have on the land, there was also the pruning of berries bushes and that the planting of pumpkins and Christmas trees as well as much other produce that visitors will be able to pick themselves in futures seasons.

Photo by Dale Merrill

Along with the farming and planting the Peltier family has been doing this year, they also took on a project the painting and expansion of the play area they have for children to frolic in when they visit and as well as tending to the goats, bunnies, chickens and ducks that reside in the petting zoo area and wander the property. It's common knowledge that goats like to be eat but along with feeding them don't be suprised if a chicken moseys up to you looking for a snack as well.

Photo by Dale Merrill

Photo by Dale Merrill

While the orchard market does offer the varieties of apples currently available along with their famous donuts and cider as well as many other local products, a small cafe and the occasional guest foodie serving up things such as woodfire pizza, the family adventure of walking the orchard and find the perfect apples to take home is a long time family tradition. To get back to where the apples grow you can drive your own car back as well as walk, but we suggest hopping on the farm tractor pulled trailer to take you on the tour of the grounds and guiding you in the direction of where your favorite kind of apples can be found.

Photo by Dale Merrill

When apple season is ending that doesn't mean the McCallum's locks the doors and posts a sign that says "See you next year" either. Offering different events through Christmas, such as a corn maize and haunted hayrides during the Halloween season and more to follow, the Peltier's intention is to have a place that will create memories for families that will last a lifetime. Their work is paying off as people are travelling near and far to visit.

McCallum's Orchard & Cider Mill is located 5697 Harris Rd in Jeddo, Michigan. To find out more about them check them out on Facebook, visit their website or call 810-327-6394.

From History and Heritage to Hobos and Hounds: Ten Things Happening This Weekend In The Blue Water Area

Now that Labor Day has passed and school is back in session, many may think that it marks a slow down of things to do and see in the Blue Water Area. That isn't the case though as this upcoming September weekend has plenty happening in our region. Here are ten things to check out for an eastern shores of Lake Huron adventure.

Bach, Baroque and beyond. That's what to expect in Port Huron and Lexington this weekend at the annual Bach Festival. The celebration of the composer starts Thursday in Port Huron with noon and 7 pm performances at SC4's Fine Arts Theater with the Festival String Quartet performing a varied program of music from Bach to light classics.

Friday evening, the fete moves to Lexington where the Trio Phoenix will perform an evening of music for violin, cello and piano including works by Bach, Beethoven, Rameau and Debussy at the Lexington Village Theater. The music continues on Saturday and Sunday with the Festival Orchestra offering two concerts in St. Denis Catholic Church.

To find out more and to get tickets visit the Lexington Bach Festival website.

The music of Bach isn't the only sounds they will be hearing in Lexington this weekend either. The legendary B.J. Thomas, known for the hits such as "Hooked On A Feeling", "Rock-n-Roll Lullaby" and, of course, the #1 smash "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" will be playing two shows at the Lexington Village Theater on Saturday.

If your musical tastes run a bit more on the rockin' side of country music, make plans to be in Port Huron on Friday night when Scott Manery & The Barnburners turn up the heat at McMorran Place.

Also in Port Huron this weekend, the PH&DDR Historical Society celebrate Port Huron’s history as a vital international transport center, the city’s struggle to overcome the economic depression and the courage and resourcefulness of those that rode the rails seeking work and adventure with Hobo Fest on Friday and Saturday.

If seeing how people traveled by water in style is your thing, feast your eyes on the many vintage floating vessels (quite a few of which were built in the Blue Water Area decades ago at Chris Craft and Gar Wood) at the Blue Water Antique and Classic Boat Show. It's happening this Saturday at Port Huron's River Street Marina.

Throughout this upcoming weekend, Marine City is celebrating its sesquicentennial birthday on the grounds of their historic city hall for Heritage Days. Among the things happening at this jubilee include the Michigan 8th Volunteers setting up camp and remind us of our state's role in the Civil War, music ranging from ancient bagpipes to a swing band, a petting zoo, antique cars & tractors, horsedrawn wagon ride through town and more. Check out EBW's feature on Marine City Heritage Days here. 

Also in Marine City this weekend it's the premiere of Oliver! at the Riverbank Theater. This musical interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic. runs through September 30th.

One thing that September means to a lot of people is that it is harvest time. After the crops have been taken care of it is time to relax and then party. For many that means it's POLKA TIME. Especially in Kinde. Located a ten minute drive from Port Austin, the Kinde Polka Fest features ten polka bands over three days and brings people from all around the Michigan's Thumb to come and roll out the barrel of fun.

Harbor Beach is also having a harvest celebration on Saturday too with a Craft Expo 10 am-4 pm the on Murphy Museum lawn, a  pie & dessert contest 10:30 am at their visitors center and sampling of various chili recipes made at local merchants and organizations from 11 am-3 pm.

There's going to be good boys and cool pooches galore this weekend at Goodells County Park this weekend. The St. Clair Kennel Club's annual dog show is always a huge draw with area canine fans and friends and this year will be no different. The show starts Friday and runs through Sunday.

Discover all the Blue has to offer at Bluewater.Org