Adams County welcomes patrons to its 55th Annual National Apple Harvest Festival (Photo Emma Canfora/The Gettysburgian)
By Emma Canfora, Contributing Writer
The National Apple Harvest Festival in Adams County took place last weekend and will continue next weekend, Oct. 12 and 13. Just a 15-minute drive from campus at the South Mountain Fairgrounds, the festival kicked off the fall season.
Between the sweet smell of strawberry jam, the sounds of laughter from the children’s petting zoo, and more apple-related memorabilia than anyone could ever hope for, the National Apple Harvest Festival is an intersection of community and commemoration.
The National Apple Harvest Festival includes activities like hay rides and the chance to view antique cars and gas engines (Photo Emma Canfora/The Gettysburgian)
The size of a small town, resting in the hills of Biglerville, the festival was populated not only by a slew of apple-related attractions, such as apple art, an antique cider press, and someone in a Johnny Appleseed costume, but also by barbecue stands, arts and crafts vendors, hay rides and, of course, plenty of apples.
Fair-goers could see antique cars, gas engines, farm equipment. This Sunday at 2:45 p.m., festival is presenting Antique Auto awards. For families with young children, there are puppet shows, pony rides, and the Kid Country Barn to name just a few options.
Many students attended and enjoyed the festival. “It was way bigger and way better than I expected. The live music helped set the mood and I’m never one to turn down an apple turnover, so it was a great way to spend my Saturday,” Brandon Neely ‘23 said.
Fair-goers listen to live music at the National Apple Harvest Festival (Photo Phoebe Doscher/The Gettysburgian)
General admission is ten dollars, and most of the money goes to charitable causes. The money helps fund Oakside Community Park, community projects through the Upper Adams Jaycees, and other organizations.
Featured on Good Morning America, the National Apple Harvest Festival is a staple of Adams County, bringing the community together for 55 years in a seasonal, apple-filled celebration.
