UBG hosts annual Apple Orchard extravaganza

With fall comes changing leaves, apple pie and cool temperatures. The season also brings the Union Board of Governors annual “Day at the Apple Orchard.”

Each year, UBG sponsors the price of admission to Country Apple Orchard’s Fall Festival. While the festival offered traditional orchard attractions like apple picking and a pumpkin patch, there were also new activities to try out, like ziplining and a hay bale maze.

On Oct. 16, 112 Augustana students came to take pictures, admire pumpkins and enjoy apple cider, despite the sub-60 degree weather. One activity popular with students was trying to wade through the corn pit. The pit measured 160 feet long and several feet deep. It was almost impossible to walk through, and left many students with corn in their shoes.

Along with admission, UBG also sponsored a gathering tent, hot apple cider and five dollar food vouchers, which frequently went toward apple turnovers at the orchard’s concessions stand.

Sophomore Tori Brandt relished the opportunity to get away from campus, particularly appreciating the zipline and petting zoo, where she encountered the orchard’s goats.

“I just really enjoy fall vibes,” Brandt said. “It’s a nice day, and I didn’t want to do my homework.”

The day at the orchard was planned by head governors Shayla White and Zach Jansen. While events are usually planned by other UBG members, head governors typically plan one each year.

“This kind of event provides students with something different, to get out into the community and do some events that aren’t just on campus,” Jansen said.

After two hours of apple cider, pictures and camaraderie the event drew to a close, leaving students with anticipation to come back next year.