SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — It’s apple picking season at Mulberry Orchard in Shelbyville and there are over 20 varieties of apples to choose from. 

As Amanda Gajdzik checks these apples to prepare for customers, the farm is also getting ready to welcome an idol—American Idol judge and country music superstar, Luke Bryan.  

“He seems like a great guy and I am really looking forward to meeting him. I really like his first song he just released, ‘Beer in my Hand.’ But of course all of the classic ones when he was first coming out. We really enjoy those as well,” Gajdzik said. 

The multi-generational farmer says they changed their routines a little because of the show.

“We seeded 88 acres of grass for them. So we took it out of crop production for this year, seeded it in grass for the concert so we could make sure that is it was a rainy day we had enough solid ground that people could get in safely, efficiently and effectively,” Gajdzik added.

She said that was the extent of their preparations for the country music star — his staff is taking care of the rest. 

“It’s really exciting to be a host. It was something that we, you know, one of those things that would be really awesome to do one day to have that come to fruition, is just really exciting.” 

Bryan is kicking off his 2023 Farm Tour in Shelbyville on Thursday, Sept. 14. The American Idol judge is visiting five other locally owned farms across the country to honor American farmers.

The Gajdziks hope the event will help bring attention to the family-owned and operated farm. 

“The amount of people that are hearing our name more and learning more about Mulberry Orchard, hopefully looking up the website and you know following our email blasts and things like that, just getting to know more about our operation and what we have to offer and also being able to come out and highlight agriculture in Shelby County.”

Tickets for Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour are still available. Doors for the event open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m.