Jackson’s Orchard celebrates 60 years

Family-owned orchard marks six decades with community event

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Jackson’s Orchard marked its 60th anniversary Saturday with fresh peaches, homemade treats and a crowd of longtime customers.

Founded in 1966 by Bill Jackson and his wife, the family-run farm has weathered decades of challenges facing orchards nationwide. “We have survived for 60 years, and my daughter and grandson have taken over the management of it,” Jackson said.

Jackson noted that while the orchard business has been shrinking across the country, retail sales and community loyalty have helped them stay open.

“We have enough local support of customers to come out and buy stuff that we can survive,” he said.

Labor, particularly for peaches, remains the farm’s biggest challenge.

“Peaches particularly require a lot of hand labor, and there’s no way to do it with machinery,” Jackson said.

The anniversary celebration featured seasonal favorites like peach ice cream, apple cider and pies, along with wagon rides, a petting zoo and a playground for children.

“We try to give a quality product that people enjoy eating and consuming and coming up here and buying,” Jackson said.

Upcoming events at the orchard include their Apple Festival to kick off the fall season from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 and the Pumpkin Festival on Weekends starting Sept.27 and ending Oct. 26.