2016 marks the 42nd anniversary of the original Zarpentine Farm in Hilton. “From our humble beginnings as a small farm stand to our current retail store on Burritt Road, our farm has always been a family affair,” said owner Ron Zarpentine.
Ron Zarpentine took over the operation of the 98-acre farm from his parents, Edith and Lon, in 1975. “My mother manned the cash register while dad helped in the orchards,” Ron added.
In 1975, 750 apple trees were planted and another 1,200 were planted the following year. Their barn was remodeled into the retail store found today with room for cold storage, a cider press and a fully functioning bakery that bakes its products fresh daily.
Zarpentine’s son, Rick, came on board in 1997 when the elder Zarpentine was seriously injured in a snowmobile accident. His daughter, Kim, joined in to help operate the farm in 2000 and son, Rob, began working at the bakery in 2003. Kim’s husband, Jim, is credited with helping to make the Corn Maize what it is, as well as assisting in other aspects of the farm.
“Even the grandchildren, Grace, Eden, Jacob and Austin, have pitched in and it’s just been a great family effort over the years,” Ron said.
Though some family members have gone on to pursue other interests, Ron remains at the helm. He is very proud that the land, which has been in his mother’s family since the early 1800’s, has been worked by his whole family.
The Farm Market, located at 163 Burritt Road, Hilton, is now open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with their famous apple fritters, cider, cider fry cakes, pies and baked goods, apples, as they ripen, and seasonal vegetables.
The market has evolved over the years and now carries a large variety of cheeses and natural products. Stop in for a visit.
Visit our Pumpkin Pickin Patch, 1000’s to choose from.
This year, the Zarpentine Corn Maize will be in honor of the New York Warrior Alliance, which supports the wounded military and their caregivers. A portion of the proceeds from the seven weeks of the maize will be donated to the New York Warrior Alliance. All funding to the NY Warrior Alliance stays local. The maize stretches over 20 acres and is now open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 30.
The weekend of September 24 and 25 marks Wounded Warrior Weekend. Rep- resentatives of each branch of the armed services will attend with wounded warriors and all veterans will receive $2 off maize admission with identification.
Here is a sampling of coming events: September 23, 24 and 25 will be Hometown Heroes weekend. $2 off the regular maize admission price to all veterans with ID. October 2 – Carnival Games, 12 to 4 p.m. October 8 and 9 – Craft Show, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Bring pets for $5 nail clipping, ear cleaning and bandana). October 16 – Pumpkin Princess Pageant, 2 p.m. All girls ages 2 to 11 are invited to participate. Participants should wear their favorite princess costume (a pumpkin-themed dress is not required, but it may be a factor in the judge’s final decision). October 23 – Halloween Party (ages 2 to 11), 2 to 4 p.m. October 30 – Hands free donut eating contest (ages 8 to 14). Starts at 12 p.m. Costume contest – all ages at 2 p.m.
Zarpentine Farms also holds an all you can eat Pancake Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays starting in February.
Visit us on facebook at Zarpentine Farms or www.zarpentinefarmsny.com.
