Circle J Ranch holds annual Apple Fest this weekend

WORLAND – Circle J Ranch in Ten Sleep will be holding their annual Apple Fest this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to Circle J Camp Coordinator Jackie Denison, Apple Fest is an opportunity for the community to come together and have a, “fabulous family day at the Circle J Christian Ranch. It’s a time when we can give thanks to our Father for the beautiful state in which we live, the amazing community He has given us and the harvest He has provided.”

Circle J Ranch was a ranch that was sold to the United Methodist Church nearly 60 years ago. The church has used it as a children’s camp; however, with enrollment on the downslide, the camp has transitioned itself to be a location for weddings, family reunions and religious and educational gatherings for children’s groups, teen as well as adult retreats.

Funds raised are to help Circle J become self-sufficient. “In order to even come close we depend upon the fruit sales as well as the spring, summer and fall bookings,” Denison said.

There will be music, craft vendors, face painting and food available at the event.

“We have four confirmed musicians,” Denison said. “There is room for more who can lead our guests in worship, contemporary Christian songs or hymns.”

The four musicians scheduled to perform are Big Praise from Zion Church out of Worland at 10 a.m., Craig Olsen – a worship leader from Cody at 11 a.m., founder of Music with a Mission Ministries, Cissy Olsen from Helena, Montana, at noon; and the Merano family from the Mount Calvary Assembly of God in Worland at 1 p.m.

Denison was inspired to include music this year after attending the Christian music festival Hills Alive in Rapid City, South Dakota, multiple times.

“The organizers of Hills Alive have rented a park for 30-plus years and have invited many Christian bands to fill a program for an entire weekend,” she said. “I have thought for many years now, even before I became the camp coordinator, that Circle J would be a lovely location for a similar event.”

Apple Fest’s two biggest changes this year are the addition of music as well as more vendors. Denison said that she believes this year will be the most vendors Circle J has ever had.

The camp has a variety of apples and pears, including, Clapp’s Favorite, Karl’s Favorite, Flemish Beauty, Haralson, Whitney Crab, Yellow Transparent, Green Gravenstein, Honey Crisp, Zestra, Liberty, Sweet 16, Honey Gold, McIntosh, Jona Free and Cortland.

“The orchard has 89 fruit trees all together,” Denison said. “Nineteen pears, six plums, 35 apple trees of several varieties and 29 Haralson apples from the original orchard planted close to 100 years ago.”

Denison explained that there are many variables that factor into a harvest reaching its full potential, “God’s providence, the weather, the pruning, which takes a lot of hours, having enough laborers get them all picked before a freeze. Last year our harvest yielded 6,000-pounds. This year we are down 80% due to two freezes, saccades and the two rookies pruning the trees last spring – namely my sister and I.”

During last year’s Apple Fest, they held a raffle to help raise money for their renovation project of the Ramsey Dorm. The camp had two nomad teams each come in for three weeks, one in the spring and one in the fall. According to Denison, they completely gutted and rebuilt the walls in the dorm as well as the kitchen wall in the main lodge that was showing its age.

“This year at Apple Fest we will have another raffle, for our 2023 renovation project of our Avery Dorm,” Denison said. “Stop by our table and pick up your raffle tickets, whether you want the prize or not. Every dollar is dedicated to the project. Whether the community knows it or not, their involvement helps us keep this beautiful place going.”

Denison added that Circle J is always in need of helpers.

“Please partner with us and let us know your particular skill. Our project lists keep getting longer. Your involvement would be much appreciated.”

While there is a fee for lunch and from the vendors Denison said, “There is no [entry] fee for our guests. Just bring your lawn char and enjoy a day at Circle J.”