STERLING – For the first time since 2019, Ontario Orchards will host its typically annual Fall Jamboree this weekend, September 18 and 19.
Like many events in 2020, the Fall Jamboree was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic despite its outdoor nature. Even this year’s event, which will be the 20th jamboree, has been modified due to COVID-19, as the orchard must space out the activities a bit more than normal.
“Unfortunately last year, we did not have our Fall Jamboree due to the pandemic, but we are very excited about having it this year,” Ontario Orchards Manager Kathy Ouellette-Pfeifer said. “We have had to downsize this year in order to space things out and make it a safer place.”
While the event has been downsized, there will still be a wide variety of entertainment for families of the county. Ontario Orchards will offer a corn maze, wagon rides and fall decorations, staples of autumn. According to Ontario Orchards’ website, it will provide live music in addition to the other activities.
“We have something for everyone in the family, including wine slushies for the adults and face painting for the kids,” Ouellette-Pfeifer said.
In addition to the slushies, Ontario Orchards will offer wine tastings. Parking and entry for the event will be free, according to the Ontario Orchards’ website.
Beyond the Fall Jamboree, Ontario Orchards sells a variety of Central New York staples such as Canale’s sauces, Dinosaur BBQ sauces and maple syrups. Jamboree guests can purchase these items at the Ontario Orchards store, which is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Fall Jamboree also signifies the start of the U-Pick apple and pumpkin season for Ontario Orchards, which will offer many different apple varieties as well as pumpkins.
