Enough with the cherries.
Done with the peaches.
This town is about pears, dag-nabbit, and we’re gonna dish some P-E-A-R-S.
Soon. To put the spotlight on the signature fruit of the Hood River Valley, its world-famous Fruit Loop will host the Hood River Pear Celebration Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16.
Not that you can’t find a pear or two before or after the “celebration.”
So, can you get some pears at the celebration? Uh, do ya think? Pears. Pear pastries. Pear wine. Pear jam. Dried pears. Pears with cheese. Pears with barbecue (at the Cody Orchards’ Fruit Stand).
If you’re one of those people who prefers to “eat dessert first,” then you’ll want to visit Kiyokawa Family Orchards for its “Desserts Galore!” cornucopia. Using its fruit, local chefs will have created a rich selection of pear, apple, and peach desserts. Taste on site. Then take your favorite recipes — and fruit — home to do it yourself.
Rasmussen Farms rolls out its buffet of fresh pears, paired with its picnic area and corn maze for the kids.
You do-it-yourselfers will enjoy “Family Fun on the Farm” at Draper Girls’ Country Farm, where you can pick your own Bartlett pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, raspberries, and many kinds of apples.
Fruit Loop farms are open from at least 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (wineries open at 11 a.m.), and charge no admission. Get details at the Fruit Loop website. Printed Loop maps are available at the Hood River County Visitors Center (Hood River exit 64 off Interstate 84), at area restaurants, stores, and lodging facilities, and at Fruit Loop locations.
More questions? Call the Fruit Loop information number at 541-386-7697.
