Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Apple country, near historic Gettysburg, Adams County, the 49th annual National Apple Harvest Festival will be held on the first two weekends of October.
The festival, which takes place at the South Mountain Fairgrounds near Arendtsville on October 5-6 and 12-13, traditionally combines vendors, crafts, antique farm equipment and family fun with a celebration of one of the world's most beloved fruits - the apple.
In addition to the more than 300 craft vendors, the festival offers apples in every form, from jellies, cider and pancakes to pizza, syrups, sausage and applesauce. Freshly-popped kettle corn, open pit beef and sweet potato French fries bring visitors back every year, while hayrides, a petting zoo and a puppet show highlight the family activities. Antique farm equipment and cars are also showcased along with an antique apple cider press.
In addition to the more than 300 craft vendors, the festival offers apples in every form, from jellies, cider and pancakes to pizza, syrups, sausage and applesauce. Freshly-popped kettle corn, open pit beef and sweet potato French fries bring visitors back every year, while hayrides, a petting zoo and a puppet show highlight the family activities. Antique farm equipment and cars are also showcased along with an antique apple cider press.
The "1st Apple Harvest Holiday" was held by the Adams County Fruitgrowers Association in October 1961, with the "Apple Harvest Festival" under the Upper Adams Jaycees officially debuting on Oct. 9, 1965. The festival then included attractions like the antique car display, orchard tours and the crowning of the 1965 Apple Blossom Queen. The Apple Harvest Festival has since grown immensely, expanding the celebration to two weekends in 1975.
The National Apple Harvest Festival, which is part of the popular Gettysburg Fruit & Wine Trail, will be held from 8am to 6pm each day and will take place rain or shine. General admission is $9 per person, with seniors (60+) $8 and children under the age of 12 free. Admission includes parking, shuttle services and all the attractions and exhibits.
Visit www.appleharvest.com for more details.
For more information about top events in Pennsylvania take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Pennsylvania.