Josie and Louie Marquez sort apples at their Bernalillo orchard

Marquez apples: A Bernalillo fall tradition

—TY BELKNAP
Josie and Louie Marquez planted an apple orchard in Bernalillo around the time that their first child was born, forty-five years ago. Their Red and Yellow Delicious and Rome Beauties have been winning blue ribbons at the state fair for thirty-five years. The orchard is one of the few remaining links to Bernalillo’s agricultural past.

Louie has a master’s degree in horticulture and is retired from his job as Sandoval County agent for the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.

Marquez apples are sold from the orchard near the intersection of Camino del Pueblo and US 550. The apple display on the sidewalk in front of their home is a familiar sign of the season. The apples are also sold to Wild Oats, Bernalillo Public Schools, and the Bernalillo senior center.

Josie said, “This is always the happiest time of the year, when we harvest the apples and get to see all our friends. We hope to keep the orchard going for our grandchildren.”

Bernalillo School District drumming and singing group called “Soaring Eagle,” from several local pueblos, performed a sunset performance at the Bernalillo Chamber of Commerce “Mix and Mingle” in October. The food was provided and elegantly served to guests by Bernalillo High School’s culinary arts students. The event was hosted by Chamber board member Dan Dennison at an award-winning Diamond Tail Ranch home.