2020 WRAVG Web

Cranberries
The Wisconsin Rapids area is known as cranberry country and proud of it!
Our unique agricultural heritage makes the blossom and harvest seasons special to
our area. Early settlers thought cranberry blossom resembled the head of a crane,
hence the name “crane berry,” which was later shortened to cranberry. Cranberry
blossoms are pretty, delicate, pink flowers that bloom in late June through early
July. The harvest season, is the most picturesque time for cranberries, and it occurs
late September through late October.
Cranberry Blossom Festival
June 18-21, 2020
The festival is filled with “berry” fun events including, a music fest,
arts and crafts, carnival, a parade and of course culinary treats
featuring Wisconsin’s #1 fruit crop, the cranberry!
www.blossomfest
www.blossomfest.com
.com
Late-September through late-October,
the Cranberry Highway reveals a sea
of red cranberries coupled with the
blazing colors of fall. The self-guided
drive stretches for almost 50 miles
along century-old cranberry beds from
Wisconsin Rapids to Warrens, and
between Pittsville and Nekoosa.
To plan a “berry” fun
cranberry experience visit
www.VisitWisRapids.com
CRANBERRIES
Splash of Red Cranberry Harvest Tours
Presented by Pittsville High School FFA
5407 1 st Avenue, Pittsville, WI 54466
(715) 884-6412
https://sites.google.com/pittsville.k12.wi.us/cranscience/home
This two-hour cranberry tour takes place just east of Pittsville in the
heart of central Wisconsin Cranberry Country. Pittsville FFA members and
students, who are part of the only Cranberry Science Class taught in the
nation are your tour guides.
The tour starts at the Pittsville School Auditorium located on Elementary
Avenue just off First Avenue in Pittsville at 9:15 am, with an introductory
video for early arrivals. The tour begins at 9:30 am and includes the
following: touring a current marsh under construction, new beds not
yet in production, producing beds and the opportunity to pick fresh fruit
from the vine, as well as observing the harvesting, testing, cleaning and
freezing of the berries. Finally, you will return to the school to enjoy a
tasty cranberry based lunch that includes a cranberry dessert made by our
Local Foods Class at Pittsville High School. The charge for the tour is $20
per person. All monies go toward scholarships and other opportunities for
Pittsville FFA members. All tours include a cranberry treat, juice, and fresh
cranberries for each guest to take home.
The tour will run from 9:30 am-12:00 pm with lunch served at 11:30 am.
Tours are available September 23, 25 and 30, as well as October 2, 7, 9,
14, 16, 21, and 23. They also have tours available for large groups only (20
or more) October 8, 15 and 22. Reservations are required. Please call
715-884-6412 or email meisslin@pittsville.k12.wi.us
800.554.4484 www.VisitWisRapids.com 11