Nestled into the charming, historic town of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, you’ll find OHF Orchards, a PA Preferred® member offering fresh fruit and providing family fun throughout the seasons. The OHF families grow peaches, plums, cherries, pears and apples on eight properties throughout Bloomsburg, with fall favorites like donuts, apple dumplings and cider during peak pick-your-own season.
OHF is known for its peaches, which include yellow, white and disc-shaped donut peaches, and a wide variety of apples like Honeycrips and Gala. OHF also grows both sweet and sour cherry varieties. You can find these freshly picked fruits at its Bloomsburg location, 73 Orchard Drive, or at farmers markets throughout the region like Monroe Farmers Market in Stroudsburg, Mountain Top Farmers Market at Crestwood High School and North Atherton Farmers Market in State College.
Owners Gino Ardo, Joe O’Hara and Patrick O’Hara appreciate the designation and support of the PA Preferred program. “Having this branding shows people we are truly Pennsylvania farmers and adhere to high standards,” they say.
While OHF Orchards flourishes, there are challenges behind the scenes for any orchard keepers. The owners explain: “Lots of challenges are determined by the season. Labor is always an issue, as are the costs of parts and supplies the farm needs. It’s a challenge to decide what we need and what things we can get by without.”
OHF Orchards is part of a rich farming legacy in Bloomsburg, which is home to the state’s largest agricultural fair. The week-long Bloomsburg Fair showcases livestock, produce, dairy exhibits and local delicacies like potato pancakes and enormous cinnamon rolls and apple dumplings made with OHF’s own crops, along with events like arena horse pulls and musical performances by national acts.
We asked the OHF owners what they love about growing food for people in PA. “Pennsylvania is blessed with great growing regions and fair weather for farming. We love to see smiles on our customers’ faces and our products in stores.”
To enjoy OHF Orchards’ bounty, yourself, head to its location at 73 Orchard Dr., Bloomsburg and follow it on Facebook for the latest on what’s growing and happening.
This series was created in collaboration with PA Preferred.
PA Preferred® is Pennsylvania’s statewide branding program that promotes locally grown and processed food and other agricultural products.
- Photos: OHF Orchards
