GREENVILLE, Mich. - Changes are coming to a major Greenville tourist destination.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, Steve and Rosemary Klackle announced they are retiring in spring 2019 from their roles as owners and operators of Klackle Orchards. They have been operating the orchard and farm market for over 40 years.
In the post, they say they aren't sure what is next for the farm, which is a tourist destination, especially in the fall. The Cornucopia Farm Market will remain open for the 2018 season through December 15.
After speaking with the owner, we now know the Klackles plans to auction off the land the Orchards are on in March 2019.
Klackle Orchards FB post
According to the company website, the farm was bought by Ray Klackle in the late 1960s from Ore Ida Potato Company as the potato company shifted production to Idaho. He planted his first orchard trees at the site on M-57 in 1970. Today, the orchard has over 300 acres of apples and other crops. The orchard harvests nearly 200,000 bushels of apples per year.
The farm covers over 600-acres and includes a market and other activities for visitors, including a site for weddings.
Klackle, says the change is bittersweet because he's happy to go into retirement but sad to say goodbye to customers.
"We’ve had a great time doing it and I really enjoy having people out to the orchard, but it’s time. I would say to our past customers thank you very much for your loyalty and visits over the years," says Orchard owner, Steve Klackle.
The farm market at Klackle Orchards will close on December 15th for the season and the land will be auctioned off in March 2019.
But, Steve tells me he hopes to have the orchard open for at least a month before the auction begins.
