GRANGER, Iowa — Several families are celebrating Father’s Day by picking fresh strawberries at the Iowa Orchard in Granger.

Not only is the Iowa Orchard one of the largest strawberry farms in the state, but this week is also the peak week for the fruit.

There are six acres of fresh strawberries available to be picked. Owner Bryan Etchen said that this year’s crop is the largest they’ve ever had.

Normally, visitors have to make appointments online in order to pick strawberries, but they provide exceptions on holidays, like Father’s Day. Many walk-ins were welcomed on Sunday and several dads got to spend the day with their families.

“Nothing better than fresh strawberries and a bowl of ice cream,” said Ankeny dad Frank Peters who gathered the fruit with his wife and daughter.

Others at the orchard visit frequently, like Isai Sipe of Guthrie Center. She used to pick strawberries with her sister every year. The pair would make homemade strawberry jam together. This is the first strawberry season that Isai is picking without her sister since she passed away.

“This is what keeps me going,” she said. “I can feel her out here with me.”

For those who can’t pick strawberries on their own, the orchard provides pre-picked strawberries at their location in Urbandale.

Outside of picking fresh fruit, they also provide snacks including, mini cider donuts, strawberry apple cider slushies, and strawberry donut shortcake.

The Iowa Orchard is open every day depending on weather. Visitors can schedule an appointment online. Click here for more information.