Celebrate 75 Years of Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill at Its Anniversary Bash

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Celebrate 75 Years of Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill at Its Anniversary Bash

The three-day party includes free donuts, fireworks, a limited-edition hard cider, and family-friendly activities

June 3, 2021

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Blake's history — Top left: The Blake family — Parents Gerald and Elizabeth with children Jerry Richard, Raymond, Edward, Joseph, Rosemary, Peter, Paul, Elisabeth, Martin, and Susan — photographed in 1964. Bottom left: The Blake farm circa 1969. Right: Paul and Peter Blake in the orchard in 1969. // Photograph courtesy of Blake’s

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is celebrating 75 years — and it wants you to join the party. Founded in Armada in 1946 by Gerald and Elizabeth “Lovely” Blake, the family business has since grown to include a 1,000-acre working farm, an orchard with more than 40 different apple varieties, its Best of Detroit-winning cider mill, and more. To honor its legacy and growth, Blake’s is throwing an anniversary bash from June 4 to 6 with free donuts, family-friendly activities, and a limited-edition cider launch, and other specials and events.

“It is still amazing to see how the humble family farm my parents built in 1946 has evolved and grown into what it is today,” says Pete Blake, second-generation and co-owner of Blake Farms, in a press release. “What has remained consistent over the past 75 years is our continued commitment to our community, environment, and a passion for providing visitors with a memorable family experience. We look forward to sharing this special celebration with our loyal guests.”

The festivities begin on National Donut Day on June 4. Blake’s is handing out complimentary donuts at its Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake’s Backyard in Almont, and at Bakehouse46 stores in Rochester and Birmingham. Blake’s will offer free donuts at Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace in Clinton Township and Randazzo Fresh Market in Macomb from noon to 3 p.m. on June 5 and 6.

Free Funland Friday will be held at the Orchard & Cider Mill on June 4. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., families can visit the petting farm, play structures, cornfield maze, and more at no cost. The discounts to Funland don’t stop there though. On June 5 and 6, guests can buy $7.50 admission tickets — kids 2 and under are free — that include entrance to Funland, unlimited train rides through the orchard, and one free donut and cup of cider per person. Saturday and Sunday guests will also enjoy live music at Orchard Square, pig races, and the chance to win a variety of prizes. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.

blake's apple pie hard cider — Blake’s Hard Cider is releasing a limited-edition Apple Pie hard cider in honor of the 75th anniversary. // Photograph courtesy of Blake’s

Over the three-day celebration, Blake’s Cider Mill Store in Armada is also offering discounts on cider and donuts, and birthday cake-themed treats, including donuts, kettle corn, caramel apples, and fudge will be available for purchase. And on Saturday, there will be a firework show at dusk that’s free to the public.

Other initiatives to mark Blake’s big anniversary include the launch of a limited-edition Apple Pie Hard Cider, an apples, cinnamon, and vanilla cider that is available for purchase at the Tasting Room in Armada and online; the introduction of the Blake Community Scholarship Fund, which will support Armada High School and Macomb County high school students who plan to study agriculture or the skilled trades; and a photo contest that gives entrants the chance to become Blake’s VIP for a year and win prizes that include free cider, donuts, and event admission.

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