(PENROSE, Colo.) — Apple orchards in Southern Colorado have had a tough time in recent years. The chilly springs and hail have left apple trees bare, and farmers' pockets empty. However this year, that's changed. Happy Apple Farm Owner Tony Ferrara says the crop this year, is incredible. "I'm almost wiped out, we see thousands of people on the weekend. Literally thousands," said Ferrara, "the crowds are unbelievable... It's a family tradition... I'm seeing third and fourth generations, that's like your daughter's, daughter's, daughter coming." After many years of disappointment, he's happy to report that this year has been the best crop in about 15 years. "Last year we didn't have an apple on a tree," said Ferrara, "(this year) we saw some of the tree's branches were breaking because of the weight. Just an incredible, incredible crop and we were due." Located in Penrose, Ferrera says his orchard is one of few left in the area fighting through the tough years of bad weather. "At one time I think there was 12, 15, [or] 16 orchards [in Penrose], and now there's a handful left. Maybe three," said Ferrara, "When you have a good year, it'll get you through a couple bad years. When you have three [or] four bad years in a row, it makes it tough, but we were blessed and [had] a fantastic year." The fantastic crop was great news for 11-year-old Zee Barbour, who got to pick apples at the farm for the first time. "I think that this is like really epic. It's really fun and it's really cool, and people should come to it," said Barbour. While they're transitioning from apples to pumpkins, it's not too late to get some of both. "Surprisingly there's still quite a few up on the tree, we've got a good bag full," said Sabrina Johannes, who was picking with family on Friday. Aside from apples, you can catch a hayride, locally made goodies, and this season's jack-o-lanterns. Owned by the Ferrara family for about 40 years, they'll be happy to see you stop by. "It knocks you down, when you lose your crop over and over and over. This will recharge me and get me going again for next year's. We'll keep our fingers crossed and maybe have two great years in a row, that'd be fantastic," said Ferrara. Happy Apple Farm says this weekend may be the last you'll be able to pick your own apples, but they're shipping some in for those end of season shoppers.