Can’t wait for next year!
The Frederick County Fairgrounds are home to many events throughout the year; and having them so close to the community makes it that much more convenient to be able to check out various local events that take place there. One such event is the Shenandoah Apple Harvest Festival, put on by the Rotary Club of Winchester, that just returned to the fairgrounds at the end of September. The festival highlighted our region’s rich apple heritage with two days of family-friendly fun. This year’s event drew large numbers of visitors from across the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
Festivalgoers enjoyed a wide range of activities, from apple pie baking contests and cider tastings, to live music and arts and crafts vendors. Local orchards showcased their best harvests, offering fresh apples, cider and other seasonal treats. Each guest was also allowed a free jar of apple butter and some apple sauce upon leaving.
The ever-popular apple pie-eating contest drew big crowds, as did the classic car and hot rod show that lined the fairgrounds with vintage vehicles.
Admission was $10 for ages 10 and up, and free for younger children, military/veterans and law enforcement. Coupons for $1 off admission can usually be found at local Handy Mart locations prior to the festival.
Kids could enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, crafts, games and inflatables and more (all free with entry), and adults browsed rows of artisan goods, handmade crafts and regional specialties. Food vendors served everything from barbecue to apple-inspired desserts – ensuring no one left hungry.
This year, guests could also come back to enjoy an Apple Harvest at Night concert featuring the band Raised on Analog. A separate $10 gate fee applied for that event.
Upcoming info on the festival can be found here.
The Shenandoah Apple Harvest Festival continues to grow as both a beloved local tradition and a draw for out-of-town visitors. If you didn’t get a chance to make it this year, look out for it next fall. It’s a great way to kick off the harvest season!