To the Editor:

As you may know, we experienced a fire at Indian Ladder Farms Saturday night, Sept. 14. [“Kitchen fire closes farm store at Indian Ladder but the venue is otherwise open,” The Altamont Enterprise, Sept. 15, 2024].

 While we are incredibly grateful that no one was hurt, the fire, which was contained to the kitchen, has left our Farm Kitchen in ruins. Our fire suppression system worked exactly as it should to extinguish the blaze.

However, the worse news is that we are currently unable to bake or make our beloved cider doughnuts. Smoke damage also forced us to close our Farm Store, and though we are committed to restoring both the kitchen and store, it will take time to fully rebuild.

In the midst of this difficult situation, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our community. Your kind words have meant more to us than you know.

Many have asked how they can help, and the truth is, the best way to support us right now is to keep doing what you’ve always done — come visit the farm. Despite the setback, we are laser-focused on the harvest, and we are proud to say we have one of the best apple crops in years.

So please, gather your family and friends, and come pick apples. Buy a bag, fill it up, and enjoy the bounty of the season. Our Apple Room and Apple Barn are open, selling fresh apples, cider, and more.

After picking, visit the farm animals, relax in the Tasting Room and Biergarten, savor Annabel’s BBQ, or enjoy a DeFazio’s pizza in our Pizza Garden. Sip cider, hard cider, or beer, and simply enjoy the beauty of being outdoors.

We can’t wait to welcome you back. Your presence here means the world to us.

Laura Ten Eyck

Manager

Indian Ladder Farms