CHESTERLAND, Ohio — At Patterson Fruit Farm, they're in full fall harvest mode.
The corn stalks are in, and of course, the mums. And can you say pumpkins? They have those, too.
It's a special time of year for all.
"Wow! This is the Fall!" farm manager Bob Rogish beams. "This is the season we're waiting for at Patterson Fruit Farm."
Rogish loves this time of year. The apples are ready to harvest, and the ripe, delicious fruit represents all his hard work over the growing season.
However, it hasn't been easy.
"We have a lighter crop this year," Rogish told Channel 3. "We hope everyone can come out and do pick your own, and we have an excellent supply of apples in our market."
The market is packed with customers as well as apples. McIntosh, Fugi, Ginger Gold, Golden Supreme, Gala, and the big, juicy and popular Honeycrisp.
"Honeycrisp right now is the best apple," Rogish explained. "I think it's my favorite all year long."
According to Patterson's Facebook page, there will be pick your own opportunities this Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For future dates, you can call the farm or keep an eye on their social media page. Prices are up a bit due to the light crop.
"We also experienced a little bit of hail damage, but we've accounted for that in the pricing in pick your own apples," Rogish said. "It's a challenge with Mother Nature, and we're going to fight through it."
Paying the slightly higher price for apples is well worth it. Not only for the delicious, locally grown apples, but to keep the "pick your own" tradition alive.