As 101-Year-Old Bergen County Farm Closes, Tributes Pour In

MONTVALE, NJ — A woman named Candy said all four of her kids grew up visiting DiPiero's Farm Stand and Greenhouses in Montvale. "They are now 31, 30, 27 and 17," she noted.

Another customer said, "We moved here in 1982 and would bring our son every year to buy a Christmas tree starting when he was 2...This tradition has stayed with him until this day at 45."

Customers shared their stories on social media this week of taking their kids to DiPiero's each year for pumpkin picking, pies for Thanksgiving, and other items.

The stand, which the family opened in 1924, announced Monday that it would close this week, and invited longtime customers to stop by one last time.

"For a century, our family has had the profound privilege of stewarding this land and feeding our community," they wrote on social media. "We are grateful for every customer, every friend, and every generation that has rode our hayrides, walked through our fields pumpkin picking, purchased our produce, shopped our greenhouses, ate at our bakery and supported our family's dream…

"This farm is more than just a business; it has been the heart of our family for four generations...The decision to close was not an easy one."

They explained, "It was a life choice made after much consideration, influenced by the evolving nature of the industry and the rising costs of operation. Ultimately, it is time for us to close this chapter and embrace a new beginning with our own families."

The farmers said they planned to stay open until 5 p.m. Thursday, which would be their last day.

The stand sold pies, flowers, Christmas trees, tomato plants, and to offer holiday experiences to children of all ages.

A woman commenting on the closing announcement said she had moved to town in 2020 to be close to her daughter, and took delight in living near the farm.

"As I walk my dog I have come to befriend the old apple trees," she wrote, "imagining what it was like back in the heyday of apple picking and hayrides."

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