Collegeville Orchards, a Tradition For Families [PHOTOS]

ST. JOSEPH -- It's officially fall, and the annual Collegeville Orchards fall festival is back, but it just wouldn't be fall at the orchard without the pumpkin's, apples, and wagon rides.

Todd and Cherie Beumer have been owners of Collegeville Orchards since 1999. For 17 years, the Beumer's have welcomed families, from all over to their orchard farm and this year was no different and as usual, it was busy.

Todd says each year around the fall festival, it feels like they take on more than they can handle. However, with the help of family, friends, and a few employees they pull through, and the smiles on the families faces, is what makes it worth it.

"Every fall is very crazy for us, lots of long days and short nights, but it's fun to do. It's enjoyable seeing what we can accomplish over the growing season and it's fun seeing people come out and have a good time says, Todd"

For Tracy Ebnet, she says the orchard has become like a mini family traditional. This was her second time coming with her four boys.

"Usually what we end up doing is, I pack a picnic lunch that we will end up having by St. John's, and we will end up walking through the woods says, Ebnet"

Since her boys love farm stuff, Ebnet says it usually isn't hard to convince them to come. Plus it gives her a chance to take lots of photos of them.

"I love to take pictures of them, them probably not so much cause I probably take too many. But it's just a great time to get the kids out and enjoy nature, instead of watching tv or playing video games. It also gives dad a break"

It's the stories like the Ebnet's, that make the Beumer's, open their orchard every year.

If you and your family are looking for stuff to do this fall, the orchard is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.