Our History: Growing through the Years
THE VERY START
It all began with Tom and Carmela having an Italian arranged marriage and settling in with Tom’s parents, John and Rose Sodaro. They started up the first Sodaro Orchards Fruit Stand in Nebraska, called the AK-SAR-BEN. This name represented the place where Tom’s parents, John and Rose, first met in Omaha, Nebraska. They were the first generation of Sodaros.
After establishing a fine fruit market, the family decided to move to California for a greater opportunity in farming for
their growing family. In the 1940’s, the Sodaros packed up and ventured to Sunnyvale, California. In Sunnyvale, they
commenced the first of two stands where they proudly continued their passion for produce.
MOVING TO MARYSVILLE
The Sodaro family moved to Marysville in 1960 and continued to grow quality produce, establishing a strong relationship within the community. Tom had a son, John, who, at a very young age, learned the tricks of the trade in farming. He worked by his father’s side, just as his father did before him. The Sodaro family established an excellent rapport with their customers, and people would come from all around not only to purchase the best peaches of the North, but to be welcomed with smiles, low prices, and surrounded in a loving family atmosphere.
John married his wife Jody and raised four children on the same ranch in District 10 in Marysville. John and Grandpa Tom taught us strong traditions and the daily life of farming and running a prominent, traditional, successful Italian fruit stand business.
A FAMILY TRADITION
John and Jody’s oldest child, Sara, had that agricultural passion and was destined to farm. She married a neighbouring
farmer, Josh Baggett. Josh also carried the passion to continue the family farm business as a second-generation rice
farmer. Josh’s father, Bill Baggett, was raised in Colusa and became a successful self-taught farmer who passed on
that hard work ethic to Josh.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
In 2008, John and Jody decided to retire from farming. Bill and Sharon were more than happy to continue the family
farming and supported the opportunity for Josh and Sara to continue both family farming traditions. John and Jody
were confident in their teachings and retired fully knowing that Sara, Josh, and their family would carry on the
traditions taught to them and begin the fifth generation for Sodaro Orchards.
Josh and Sara have three beautiful children: Austin, Alyssa, and Ashley, who you will find learning the ropes and working out in the fruit stand as well as proudly promoting the family business through news interviews, radio, and newspaper advertisements.
OUR PRESENT
While the farming business and traditions continue, the family has experienced loss. Bill Baggett passed in 2008,
followed by Sharron Baggett in 2009. John Sodaro passed away in September 2021, and Josh in September 2023.
With these passings, Sara and her three children have continued to carry on in their father’s footsteps—farming as the fourth and fifth generation here at Sodaro Orchards Fruit Stand. This has only installed a stronger drive for success, to work harder, learn more, and to make them proud in all that we do.
OUR FUTURE
As the fourth-generation owner and operator of Sodaro Orchards, I’m proud to continue our legacy of quality peaches
and produce to our community. Raising my children to do the same as their great-grandparents, grandparents, and
my late husband. Look for them in the orchards, at the fruit stand selling peaches, at the Marysville Peach Festival
selling Grandma’s Famous Peach Cobblers.
- Sara Sodaro-Bagget
Peach season has arrived at Sodaro Orchards! We're open 9 AM to 7 PM | Got questions? Call (530) 682-8497