News
A Helicopter Crashed and it's so gory
In 1959 Hughes helicopter crashed in the big woods just off the old County Road 26. That's the old county road 26 that used to run through the woods here at the orchard. Over the years it has fallen through the leaf canopy and is now clearly visible as you take the hay ride down into the woods. The identification of the brave pilot is still un-known, but he must of been an apple lover since his teeth are still in tact. Once the crash site reaches ground we'll contact next of kin and possibly place him in the graveyard on premise.
Pumpkins Pumpkins Everywhere
The pumpkins at Minnetonka Orchards come in all shapes and sizes ... each one has it's own personality. We've heard it said that we've got the best selection this side of the Mississippi! There's no knowing the truth of that, but we CAN guarantee you'll find the just the shape you're looking for. Not only that, but we must confess we've never seen their equal as far as sturdy stems go.
Guitar Hero Competition; Unplugged
The second annual Hoe Joe Hoedown is sponsoring a “Real Guitar Hero Competition; Unplugged” to find the best up and coming acoustic guitar player/singer in the Twin Cities. Similar to “America’s Got Talent” the HoeJoe has partnered with My Music Store of Golden Valley and several local cable stations to find acoustic guitar players/singers.
Initial auditions for the event will take place on Wednesday, Sept 10th between 4:00-7:00pm at QCTV studios in Champlin. Guitar players between the ages of 13-20 will audition in front of professional judges and producers. The top three finalists will be featured in a television program to air on the cable stations, on web sites and You-Tube. These finalists will then have a “Pic-Off” at the second annual Hoe Joe Hoedown on Saturday, October 18th at the Minnetonka Orchards. The finalists will be chosen by the audience as well as people voting online for their favorite.
For more information about the competition or to register to audition go to hoejoe.com.
Nifty Nature Explorer Class
New this year is our Nifty Nature Explorer class. Offered as part of our M. O. Social Club, Nifty Nature is geared toward the preschool age child. It is a arts and craft course led by nature enthusiast Jean Greenwood. We are offering two classes every Thursday during apple season (at 11 am and 1 pm). The children will take a short hike through the orchard collecting nature which will be used to create a whimsical refrigerator magnet. The class is $12 per child and parent attendance is optional.
The orchard has free admission during the week, and we have created the M. O. Social club as a fantastic week day destination for children not yet in school. There are children's activities, play areas, and tractor pulled hay rides (Wed - Fri for $2 per rider), and acres of fresh air and apples.