The Moore tornado destroyed the Orr Family Farm 10 years ago. How they endured, and rebuilt

Ten years ago, a handful of Orr Family Farm employees huddled and prayed inside the farm's office as a tornado approached.

It was May 20, 2013, and one of the most violent, deadly tornadoes ever to form in Oklahoma had already cut a swath of destruction as it approached the 107-acre farm that catered to field trips and family getaways.

As it entered the west side of Moore, farm owner Glenn Orr could hear it coming.

"They talk about a freight train, you know? That's just what that rascal sounded like," recalled the 91-year-old Orr, a retired veterinarian and patriarch of the family.

Orr recently took The Oklahoman on a tour of the farm he and his family started building in 2003 — a decade before the tornado would sweep through, killing many of their animals and destroying virtually all of the farm's agriculture and family-themed attractions.

How the Orr Family Farm managed to rebuild in time for the 2013 fall season after the tornado

The May 20 tornado is most known for the tragedy at Plaza Towers Elementary School just a mile to the east of Orr Family Farm. In all, the tornado was responsible for 26 deaths during and after its rampage through central Oklahoma.

Almost miraculously, the tornado spared the office and Orr's employees. As they emerged and looked out on the devastation, it very well could have been the end of this longtime passion project. Yet here he was 10 years later, reflecting on that day and how he's managed to rebuild.

Rebuilding the farm and its numerous buildings and attractions started almost immediately after the storm system passed. That part was important. The farm was (and still is) a fall tradition for many Oklahoma families, offering attractions such as a pumpkin patch, corn maze, train rides, hay rides, a carousel and some carnival-inspired games that fit the farm's aesthetic.

With an army of contractors to clear the damage and restore the farm to working condition, they were able to reopen just a few months after the storm in time for the fall season.

Touring the farm today, it's almost like the destruction never happened. A 1970s-era Theel carousel that had been heavily damaged was repaired by the carousel manufacturer's son. Numerous brightly painted red buildings dot the landscape where guests can cool off from the midday heat and enjoy many of the farm's activities.

One thing the tornado couldn't destroy was Orr's love for his project and his dedication to providing a fun place for children and families to visit. He remembered a story about a man who told Orr he was mad after visiting the farm. The reason he was mad, the man said, was that he'd just spent thousands of dollars to take his son to Disneyworld, but his son liked Orr Family Farm better.

"Anyway," he said with a chuckle, "that's sort of a fun story."

What's new for 2023 at the Orr Family Farm?

This year, Orr Family Farm will open its doors to fall revelers on Sept. 23. In the decade since its near-total destruction, the farm has not only rebuilt, but grown.

One of the new attractions this year is a kid's playground built from a gorgeous stained wood. Orr has plans to build a schoolhouse nearby, adding to the old-time feel of the farm that also features a country store, barnyard and also new this year, a shop selling apple cider doughnuts.

There also will be a new paintball course where you can test your marksmanship against pre-set targets.

Perhaps the most prominent addition made to the farm since 2013 is a campground where guests can go "glamping," a portmanteau of "glamourous camping."

Several tipis and Conestoga covered wagons have been designed as comfortable, yet rustic accommodations for those wanting to spend a few nights on the property.

Orr calls his farm a labor of love. This time of year, as the farm's year-round staff prepare to open and hire up to 150 seasonal staff, Orr said he finds excitement in the fact that so many people visit and love the time they spend there.

"I hear that so often that it sure makes you feel good," he said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Orr Family Farm remains annual attraction decade after Moore tornado