Being a week into October, Winona State students may find themselves embracing the highlights of Autumn on campus: breaking out comfy sweaters, treating themselves to a Fall drink, and watching the leaves turn colors. For those looking for more opportunities to be outside and take advantage of the season, the Warrior Entertainment Network is provided the chance for students to take a trip to Ecker’s Apple Farm this Thursday, Oct. 9.
The event was coordinated by third year Daisy Trader, who is the Special Events Director at the Warrior Entertainment Network and wants to connect campus life to businesses in the community. In speaking with her coworker, Thea McAdams, a previous worker at Ecker’s and the Marketing Director at the Network, Trader had heard many great things about the apple farm and reached out to set up this event.
Located less than ten miles off campus, Ecker’s Apple Farm is family owned and a beautiful area for exploring and apple picking. McAdams speaks on the products and experiences that are offered at the farm.
From apple picking to live music and train rides on weekends, “It’s a nice, free thing to do on the weekends or during the week that gets you out of your dorm to have fun with your friends and just hang out.” McAdams said. “It’s a very social place, somewhere to decompress.”
On the trip, students had the opportunity to explore the inside shop and products from local vendors in the Wisconsin and Minnesota areas, pick their own apples and visit the dessert truck. Ecker’s Apple Farm offers a variety of home and locally made products including a variety of apples, apple pies, honey, soap, and candles.
“They sell caramel apples, so they have regular, peanut, M&M, and Reese’s Pieces. If you’ve never had a Reese’s Pieces caramel apple, you have to try them. They’re so good,” McAdams said.
Students who go on the trip were only be expected to cover the expenses of any purchases they make, and transportation fees will be covered, making this a wonderful opportunity to spend time with friends and make new friends while getting off of campus and enjoying the final days of nice weather.
“You don’t have to drive, and it’s free admission to get into the Apple Orchard, so if you want to go and just take pictures, you wouldn’t spend any money,” Trader said. She is excited to share this amazing place and opportunity with Winona State students “I hope we have a good turnout. I hope both of our vans we’re taking are full, and I hope people have fun.”
Whether craving a sweet treat, a fall harvesting adventure, or just some time outside, this event is always an amazing way for students to build connections and create lasting memories in the fall.
