Novakovich Orchards Honored by Saratoga City Council for 100 Years in the Community

On March 19, 2025, the Novakovich family had the distinct honor of receiving a proclamation from the Saratoga City Council, recognizing our orchard’s 100-year legacy in the city. This milestone is not just a celebration of our family’s journey but a tribute to the rich agricultural heritage that has shaped Saratoga.

The meeting was filled with heartfelt moments as Mayor Belal Aftab, Vice Mayor Chuck Page, and Council Members Kookie Fitzsimmons, Tina Walia, and Yan Zhao acknowledged our contributions to the community. The proclamation highlighted our orchard’s history, from its beginnings in 1925 when Matthew and Mary Novakovich first established the farm, to our continued dedication to growing high-quality fruit and preserving local traditions.

During the ceremony, Emily and Matt Novakovich spoke on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude to the city and sharing cherished memories from the past century. Lisa Newman and Neal Casteel also reflected on their experiences with Novakovich Orchards, emphasizing its deep-rooted connection to the community and the generations of families who have enjoyed our fruit and products.

From managing the Saratoga Heritage Orchard for over four decades to introducing beloved traditions like our chocolate-dipped apricots, our story has always been about more than just farming—it’s about family, resilience, and the bond we share with our customers and neighbors.

We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and for everyone who has supported us over the years. Whether you've visited our orchard stand, enjoyed our dried fruits, or made our chocolate apricots part of your holiday traditions, you are a part of our story.

For those who missed the council meeting, you can watch our recognition segment here (starting at 20:30).

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our legacy for future generations. Thank you for being part of our 100-year journey—we can’t wait to see what the future holds!