Apple Annie’s Celebrates Its 39th Year of Welcoming Families to the Farm
- sierravistalive
- Jun 28
- 3 min read
WILLCOX, Ariz (SVL) — Cochise County's favorite family destination is ready to welcome visitors once again as Apple Annie’s kicks off its 39th year of opening to the community on July 1.
What began in the 1980s with 6,000 apple trees and a simple idea, inviting the public to the orchard, has bloomed into a must-visit destination that draws over 100,000 people each year from across the Southwest. This year promises to be no different, with a lineup of family-friendly events.
"When we planted the first apple trees we asked God for His blessing and guidance in this new venture, but we never envisioned the plans that He had for us!" ––John Holcomb
Among the season’s highlights are the Sweet Corn Extravaganza, the Apple Harvest Celebration, the popular Green Chili Roast, and the festival that draws the biggest crowds of all — Peach Mania. Each event gives visitors a chance to enjoy fresh, hand-picked produce, delicious homemade pies, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made Apple Annie’s a household name.
The story of Apple Annie’s is rooted in the family of John and Anne Holcomb. In 1986, when the apple trees first began producing, Anne and her 8-year-old son Matt baked pies and apple bread while John tended to the orchard and crafted fresh cider. Their daughter Mandy, who was six, worked as a sales clerk. Those “busy, fun-filled days” sparked a legacy that continues today.
The family’s passion for growth led to new chapters. In 2003, Apple Annie’s expanded by purchasing Hunsdon Farms, now home to over 125 acres of vegetables and the ever-popular Apple Annie’s Produce & Pumpkins. Each fall, families visit the sprawling farm for special festivals, culminating in the five-weekend Pumpkin Festival complete with a massive corn maze, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and country fun.
The winter of 2013 brought yet another milestone when the family purchased the historic Stout’s Cider Mill building. After extensive renovations, they opened the Orchard Country Store, a year-round stop just off I-10 in Willcox. Today, Mandy and her husband David keep the stores stocked with fresh pies and slices, apple bread, homemade fudge, gourmet jar goods, and an array of gift items.
Over the years, Apple Annie’s has continued to diversify its orchards, adding peaches, pears, and new apple varieties to ensure that visitors have plenty of fruit to pick throughout the four-month harvest season. The farm also has an Orchard Grill serving up apple-smoked burgers on weekends, the country gift shop Apple Annie’s Attic, hayrides, and even more seasonal festivities that have kept generations of families coming back year after year.
As the orchard gates open for the 39th time, the family and their dedicated team are ready to welcome neighbors from across the region to experience a taste of Cochise County’s agricultural heritage.
Sweet Corn Extravaganza at the Farm:
July 12 - September 1
6405 W Williams Rd
Willcox, AZ 85643
Open July – August
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Taste of Summer at the Orchard:
Two weekends of chamoy and peach or watermelon slushies, heavenly peach donut sundaes, seasonal milkshakes, and fruit bowls
July 12 & 13, 19 & 20
2081 W Hardy Rd
Willcox, AZ 85643
Save the Date!
Peach Mania:
Peaches & Pancakes breakfast Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM-10:30 AM at the Orchard Grill. Handpick the perfect peach straight off the tree.
Planned to start the weekend of July 26. Dates will be released soon!
Corn Maze at the Farm:
Starts September 20
Open Daily 9:00-4:00 through October 31
Fall Pumpkin Celebration at the Farm:
September 27 through October 31
The Farm:
6405 W Williams Rd
Willcox, AZ 85643
Open July – August
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Open September & October
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Orchard:
2081 W Hardy Rd
Willcox, AZ 85643
Open July – August
8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Open September & October
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information about events, hours, and directions, visit the Apple Annie’s website.
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