Apple harvest season is again among us, and with it comes the triumphant return of Pennsylvania’s favorite annual apple-packed harvest celebration, the one and only National Apple Harvest Festival. Held every year on location of the scenic South Mountain Fairgrounds in the heart of bucolic Biglerville, this highly anticipated autumnal tradition is laden with onsite entertainment, vendors, and food (more than just apples, mind you). The event kicks off its first full weekend on October 7 and 8, continuing into the next one on October 14 and 15.
For almost 60 years, the National Apple Harvest Festival has been a beloved community staple. Its official debut was on Sunday, October 10, 1965, although the Adams County Fruit Growers Association ran an earlier precursor “Apple Blossom Sunday” event in the 1950s. By 1961 the first “Apple Harvest Holiday” was held. Later, the newly formed Upper Adams Jaycees contacted the Fruit Growers about creating a seasonal celebration that would also double as a fall fundraiser. And that’s when the first Apple Harvest Festival was officially established.
The Festival has continued to grow with each passing year. In 1975 it even expanded to its current two-weekend format, taking place the first two full weekends in the month of October.
Both weekends continue to present a wide range of onsite activities, many of which are the very same time-tested original mainstays that are still lovingly featured at every year’s event. These include axe-throwing, orchard bus tours, antique automobiles, steam engines, Native American dancers, chainsaw carving demos, and a whole lot more.
Over 300 vendors come out to participate annually, providing an abundance of varying crafts, products, and other offerings. And let’s not forget about all the ongoing live entertainment acts, all of which are free to enjoy with general admission.
Kids take note of all the attractions to enjoy, from climbing the rock wall to making friends at the petting zoo. Other onsite diversions include face painting, arts and crafts activities, pony rides, puppet shows, Harvest Magic entertainment acts, and old-fashioned games that never go out of style. There will even be a couple of beloved Festival-exclusive characters making their rounds, including Johnny Appleseed, Mr. Apple, Miss Honeybee, and Apple Worm.
Of course, the apple of this event’s eye happens to be all those namesake apples. Therefore, as the main attraction and reason for celebration, it goes without saying that you can really get your fill and thrill of all things apple. From apple art to the official Apple Queen Coronation, watching apple product making in action to purchasing well-loved apple products like applesauce and apple butter, the offerings are unlimited. And don’t forget about indulging in apple cider, pie, dumplings, candy apples, and novelty apple delights like apple jelly and apple syrup while you’re at it. And on that latter note, since the Festival opens early each day, you may consider a stop by the Apple Pancake Patio for a most delicious breakfast!
The National Apple Harvest Festival now ranks among the most acclaimed family-friendly autumnal activities in the state. It also continues to serve its purpose as a fundraiser. Most of the proceeds raised during the event’s two-week run directly support the community and other locally and nationally run charitable organizations. Almost half of the funds raised go toward Biglerville’s 92-acre park Oakside Community Park, which is owned and operated by Upper Adams Jaycees. The latter also receives 20 percent proceeds to host and fund various community projects and family-friendly holiday events and activities. An additional 20 percent is donated to schools, churches, scouting organizations, fire companies, and civic organizations. The remaining 11 percent is retained for emergencies and to fund next year’s event.
The South Mountain Fairgrounds can be found along Route 234 near Ardendtsville, PA. Hours of operation for the National Apple Harvest Festival are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, rain or shine. General admission is $10 for visitors 12 and older, $9 for seniors over 60, and $9 for military (with ID at the gate. Kids under 12 are free. For all other information, including directions, vendors, and more visit the website at www.appleharvest.com.