Are you a fan of apples? Do you consider yourself an apple connoisseur? Then you must be aware of the plethora of apple festivals that take place annually around the world. Biglerville, Pennsylvania, is home to some of the most popular and exciting annual apple festivals in the United States.
The festival attract thousands of people from all over the country, who celebrate the delicious fruit. Visitors get to enjoy activities, apple-inspired food and drinks, and the opportunity to pick their own apples fresh off the tree. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular apple festivals in Biglerville and why they are so beloved. So, if you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy some apples, look no further than Biglerville’s amazing apple festivals.
Festival Summary
The National Apple Harvest Festival is an iconic annual event held in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, USA. Taking place over the first two full weekends in October, the festival celebrates the fall season with a range of activities, attractions, and food. In 2023, it will happen in October 7-8 & 14-15!
Admission tickets include parking and shuttle bus or wagon service to the fairgrounds, and all live entertainment, attractions, exhibits and orchard bus tours. The festival also features 300+ arts and crafts vendors, antique cars and farm equipment, live music, pony rides, tastings, and more.
All proceeds from the Festival are donated to civic, school, church, scouting organizations, fire companies, Oakside Community Park, and other local and national charitable organizations.
History of this event
The National Apple Harvest Festival is organized by the Upper Adams Jaycees. Founded in 1962, the Upper Adams Jaycees are a non-profit organization dedicated to serving their local community. The festival is their largest fundraiser, and the proceeds go back into the community in the form of projects offered by the Upper Adams Jaycees. These projects cover a range of activities, from charity work to managing Oakside Community Park.
The National Apple Harvest Festival started more than 50 years ago as “Apple Blossom Sunday” by the Adams County Fruitgrowers Association. In 1965, the Upper Adams Jaycees took on the responsibility of hosting the event, which was then called “Apple Harvest Holiday”. Over the years, the festival has grown to include over 300 art and craft vendors, strolling characters, live entertainment, activities for kids, and of course delicious food! Apples feature prominently in many of the dishes, from homemade applesauce to candy and caramel apples. There is even an Apple Pie Auction, with proceeds going to charity. In 2014, the festival celebrated its 50th anniversary and was featured on Good Morning America and National Geographic Traveler.
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
A ticket is needed to attend the National Apple Harvest Festival, however no reservations are required. General admission tickets are $10 per person for ages 12 and up, seniors (60+) and military with ID receive a discounted rate of $9. Kids under 12 years old are free.
A Two-Day Flex Admission is also available for $17, which can be used once per day on two separate days of the festival. Admission may be purchased online or at the gate, and accepted payment methods include all major credit cards and cash.
The National Apple Harvest Festival will take place October 7-8 & 14-15, 2023. The festival is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The festival is held outdoors at the South Mountain Fairgrounds in Biglerville, located 10 miles northwest of Gettysburg. Admission includes access to the event, parking in one of the fields, and shuttle bus or wagon service to the festival grounds.
Attractions include arts and crafts vendors, antique and classic cars, live entertainment, apple art, apple jellies, apple pancake patio, apple syrup making, applesauce and peeler, axe-throwing, candied apples, chainsaw carving, chicken barbeque, country sausage & ham, honey bee, worm & Johnny Appleseed characters, and more!
Charter bus rates are available, and no pets or smoking is allowed on festival grounds with the exception of properly identified service animals. All proceeds from the festival go back into the community.
Best Time to Visit, Parking & Shuttle Service
To avoid the crowds, try to come as early as possible. Admission includes parking in one of several parking fields and shuttle bus or wagon service to the festival grounds. The festival is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, rain or shine!
Once you get to the location of the festival ( 615 Narrows Road, Biglerville, PA 17307) there will be fire police showing you where shall you park in the outlying parking fields.
Handicap parking is available on the festival grounds (until full). There are also handicap accessible vans that stop at all marked handicap pickup locations.
Best Food at the National Apple Harvest Festival
Head to the National Apple Harvest Festival to experience delicious food made with fresh, locally grown apples. There are plenty of options to satisfy any appetite, but here are three of the best dishes to try:
The festival’s Apple Pancake Patio is a fan favorite, serving up piping hot and fluffy pancakes topped with maple syrup and freshly sliced apples. Apple syrup is also made and sold onsite for a unique and tasty way to add sweetness to your favorite dishes.
Be sure to visit the Chicken Barbeque for tender, juicy chicken slathered in the festival’s special barbeque sauce. Enjoy it with a side of their famous French Fried Sweet Potatoes, which come topped with the perfect amount of seasoning and a sprinkle of diced apples.
Finally, don’t miss out on the Pork Barbeque, made with local pork and cooked over an open pit. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the festival’s apple-infused sides. Wash it all down with a cold glass of apple cider or a cider slushie.
The National Apple Harvest Festival has so much to offer. From unique crafts to a variety of apple-infused dishes, you won’t want to miss the experience.
Performance & Activities
The Festival has something for everyone with special attractions ranging from steam engine displays, live music, antique cars, orchard tours, pony rides, tastings, craftsman demonstrations, and much more.
Attractions include 300+ Arts and Crafts Vendors, Antique and Classic Cars, Antique Cider Press, Antique Farm Equipment, Antique Gas Engines, Antique Shingle Mill, Apple Art, Apple Jellies, Apple Pancake Patio, Apple Syrup Making, Applesauce and Peeler, Axe-Throwing, Candied Apples, Chainsaw Carving, Chicken Barbeque, Country Sausage & Ham, Free Live Entertainment, French Fried Sweet Potatoes, Gallery/Apple Memorabilia, Hay Rides, Kettle Korn, Kid Country Barn, Make ‘N Take Crafts, Native American Dancers, Official Souvenirs, Open Pit Beef, Penna Dutch Funnel Cakes, Pony Rides, Pork Barbeque, Puppet Shows, Ribeye Steak Sandwiches, Scarecrows R Us, Scrapple Making, Strolling Apple, Honey Bee, Worm & Johnny Appleseed Characters, and more. Charter bus rates are available.
Three Things you should know before you go!
The National Apple Harvest Festival is held outdoors annually the first two full weekends in October. In 2023, n 2023, it will happen in October 7-8 & 14-15!
It is located in the heart of Adams County, South Central Pennsylvania, at 615 Narrows Road, Biglerville, PA 17307.
Admission tickets include parking, shuttle bus or wagon service to the festival grounds, all live entertainment, attractions, exhibits, and orchard bus tours. Payment methods accepted online are all major credit cards and at the gate, cash and all major credit cards. For more information about the festival, please visit the official event website.