PITTSVILLE, WI (OnFocus) – Ever wanted an up-close look at how cranberries are grown, harvested and processed? Look no further than the heart of Cranberry Country, and support the Pittsville FFA “Splash of Red” tour.
Pittsville High School students, enrolled in the only high school Cranberry Science Class in the USA, will be your guide on this all-inclusive tour.
“Wisconsin is the #1 cranberry producing state in the nation, and Wood County is the highest producing county in the state,” shares Agriculture Science teach Lindsay Meissner. “A goal of the tours is to help residents and visitors understand this unique crop and its economic impact on Central Wisconsin.”
The two-hour tour begins at the Pittsville School Auditorium, 5459 Elementary Avenue, Pittsville, at 9:15 AM, with an introductory video. Departure via bus is at 9:30 AM and includes visiting a current marsh under production, with tourists given the opportunity to pick fresh fruit from the vine, as well as observing the harvesting, testing, cleaning and freezing of the berries. It ends with a return to the school to enjoy a tasty cranberry based lunch that includes a cranberry dessert made by the Local Foods Class at Pittsville High School.
The charge for the tour is $25 per person. Proceeds are used to support student scholarships, trips and other FFA member-related activities.
Open tour dates are October 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22 (Wednesday/Fridays during harvest). Special Tour Dates are available to groups of 20 or more on Oct. 7, 14 and 21.
Visit the Splash of Red webpage for details. Reservations are a must!
Pittsville High School senior Heidi Kundinger is a member of the FFA Officer Team and a tour guide. She states, “I’m following in the footsteps of my older sister who took this class and loved it! It’s a chance to learn about local agriculture and share knowledge with others who may not be familiar with cranberries.”
This is the 21st year for Splash of Red cranberry tours, which have been enjoyed by well over 20,000 people from multiple states.
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: MaryAnn Lippert
MaryAnn is a Pittsville native who believes that small rural Wisconsin communities are the best places in the world to live, raise a family, work and play. She learned this by traveling for six years through 40 northern Wisconsin counties listening to residents and helping solve problems related to state government. MaryAnn enjoys working in her yard and woods, hanging out with her family and cheering for all Wisconsin sports teams. Heaven on earth is Lambeau Field, north end zone.
