August 1 marked the 40th year that Zarpentine Farms opened their doors for business in Hilton. From their humble beginnings as a small farm stand to their current retail store on Burritt Road, Zarpentine Farms has always been a family endeavor.
“The land has been in my mother’s family since the early 1800s,” says owner Ron Zarpentine, who took over the 98-acre farm from his parents in 1975. “In our first year, we planted 750 apple trees. By the end of 1976 we had planted another 1,200.” Ron adds, “In our first year we had just the small farm stand and were able to open our current store the following year.” Ron goes on to explain how they re-modeled their barn into a retail store complete with cold storage, a cider press, and a fully functioning bakery.
“My mother Edith manned the cash register while my dad, Lon, helped in the orchards.” He further explained, “My son, Rick, came on board to help run the business in 1997 when I was seriously injured in a snowmobile accident. My daughter, Kim, came on to help operate the farm market in 2000, and my son, Rob, began working in the bakery in 2003 – so the entire family has been involved for many years.” Ron reminisces, “And I couldn’t have asked for a better son-in-law than Kim’s husband, Jim, who has done so much for the Maize and other aspects of the farm. Even the grandchildren, Grace, Eden, Jacob and Austin pitched in. It’s been a great family effort over the years.”
Though some family members have gone on to pursue other interests, Ron will again be at the helm, leading a team including nephew, Andy, and niece, Carol. “I couldn’t be more proud of my whole family,” Ron says.
Zarpentine Farms began their 40th season when they opened August 1, offering peaches, onions, potatoes, cherries, apricots, squash, sweet corn, and their ever popular apple fritters and cider fry cakes. Along with the fresh produce, the market offers New York State pure maple syrup, honey, assorted jams and jellies, salad dressings, assorted barbecue sauces, and the like. In addition to their full selection of fruit, vegetables and baked goods, Zarpentine Farms also features their amazing “Corn Maize,” a must-do activity for the entire family, beginning in September and running through Halloween. Hayrides and other family-friendly activities are always to be found there as well. When February rolls around, Zarpentine Farms offers their delicious Pancake Breakfast on weekends.
“As we go into our 40th year, we are humble and grateful for the support of our customers and patrons that we have come to know and love. With all your support we have been able to produce 95% of our products on our 200-year-old family farm. We now have over 4000 fruit trees on site producing 17 different apple varieties, peaches and pear trees,” Ron says.
“Also, for the 14th year we look forward to bringing you our 20-acre corn maize. We will be doing all-you-can-pick pumpkins for the 10th year and don’t forget about the 10th anniversary of our pancake breakfast on Saturday and Sunday this upcoming year. Finally, we will be continuing to make our pies, breads, but be on the look out for new and exciting items from our bakery this year. Again, we look forward to serving you,” says Ron.
Open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can find Zarpentine Farms at 163 Burritt Road, Hilton, or by calling them at 585-392-3611.
Provided photo
