When Richard and Darlene Tiedeken retired to northeast Florida, they knew they wanted to do something besides sit around.

Wednesday, August 01, 2001

When Richard and Darlene Tiedeken retired to northeast Florida, they knew they wanted to do something besides sit around.

An apple orchard and its homemade caramel supplied the answer.

&uot;The caramel prompted us to go into business,&uot; Darlene said.

The Tiedekens started Queen’s Apples, a stand they take to county fairs all over, nearly eight years ago. The featured item is a New Zealand Braeburn apple, cored, sliced and served with that same homemade caramel, nuts, whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Darlene said the caramel is made with sweet cream and butter. &uot;We either have it shipped or we stop and get it.&uot;

And the couple never buys anything but the best-quality apples. &uot;We’re cutting them here, so if they’re mushy, it’s no good,&uot; Darlene said.

The Tiedekens are on the road from June to October. They spend the early summer months in the Midwest, and September in Indiana. &uot;It’s warmer there,&uot; she said.

The business is something they love. They get to see the country and have met some wonderful people, Darlene said.

&uot;It’s just like coming home when we see all the people,&uot; she added.

This is the first year for the Queen’s Apples stand at the Freeborn County Fair. The couple received an invitation two years ago when they were at another fair, but the scheduling didn’t work out until this year. Queen’s Apples also sets up at the Martin and Fillmore County fairs.

The Freeborn County Fair is nice because Richard’s brother, Lee, lives in Albert Lea. They also appreciate the campground on the fairgrounds, Darlene said.

Because it’s their first year here, Queen’s Apples is allowing people to sample the caramel. &uot;What we have is different,&uot; Darlene said.

The Tiedekens also offer pop, iced tea, lemonade and bottled water at their stand on the southwest corner of the grandstand.