CHELAN, WA - An early arrival means increased opportunities in the apple arena, and you don’t want to miss out. SugarBee® harvest has arrived earlier than expected, landing in stores sooner than ever.

According to a press release, an early cold snap pushed the much-anticipated fall harvest up by about a week and a half. In celebration of the fall harvest, SugarBree growers marked the occasion with the SugarBee Perfect Pick event, giving people a chance to learn more about the way the beloved variety is grown, cared for, harvested, packed, and shipped.

Many very special guests made their appearance in sunny Central Washington to experience firsthand the delight of apple harvest, including honeybee rescue couple Mr. and Mrs. Bee Rescue (Jeff and Julie Russell); Gina Calhoun, Scripps Spelling Bee National Teacher of the Year 2023; Lasheeda Perry, celebrated pastry chef and owner of Queen of Flavor; and Tracy Shaw from The Healthy Family Project, as well as influencers Annessa Chumbley, Shakira Patterson, Kait Thornton, and Ashley Rowe.

Guests arrived in the orchards early Wednesday morning, met with perfect fall weather and rows and rows of apple trees decorated in crisp, juicy SugarBee apples. Attendees even got to pick a few apples to snack on as fifth-generation grower and orchard owner Hawkins Gebbers led the group on a tour. Gebbers was joined by SugarBee breeder Chuck Nystrom, SugarBee propagator Reggie Collins, and fourth-generation grower Cass Gebbers.

Afterward, attendees enjoyed lunch at the nearby Gamble Sands golf course, followed by an afternoon facility tour at a packing and storage location. The celebratory event concluded with an incredible harvest dinner and wine tasting at Sorrento’s in Chelan, located on the famous Tsillan Cellars vineyard grounds.

What an exciting way to usher in the anticipated SugarBee season!

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