LITCHFIELD — Tom Fair from Applewald Farm has seen the times change or the better for his small family-run operation. Over the years, the customer base has grown, with more people seeking out fresh local produce.
“Many young couples and families have moved in, and they are really excited to have a local place to buy fresh food,” he explained.
The Fairs have done a great deal of work to improve their business and meet this growing demand. Customers like knowing where their food is coming from, and they are pleased to have the opportunity to ask questions about the food and their own gardens.
Team Applewald recently renovated the inside of the store, redecorating with rustic lighting and antiques. Fair repurposed his grandfather’s old work bench and table saw and made them both into produce tables.
“People are really surprised when they come inside and see what we’ve done,” said Fair’s wife, Cynthia Turcotte. The couple has worked hard to make their farm a worthwhile destination, increasing the baked goods and pickles in particular.
“We are a half-hour from everywhere,” he joked. Being centrally located between Brunswick, Augusta and Lewiston puts them in a sweet spot, bringing in people from all over for the pick-your-own apple season. The kid’s play area and corn maze have been popular with people looking for a more laid-back experience.
“People tell us all the time that they love coming here because it is less crowded and chaotic,” Turcotte revealed. Customers also enjoy meeting Ken, Tom’s brother, who has a developmental disability and lives in the farmhouse. He has a free mini-museum, containing old farm antiques, and loves to make balloon dogs for the kids who visit.
Be sure to check out this family-friendly farm this fall if you want to join the “shop local” business trend and meet some folks who grow what they sell.
