Apples galore at Reedsville festival
Trending
REEDSVILLE -- The Reedsville Community Association is making sure this fall festival is all about apples.
The seventh annual Apple Festival is slated for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at Bender Park in downtown Reedsville.
In celebration of the beauty of fall and delicious local apples, association volunteers will cook and sell apple butter made in old-fashioned kettles, Belleville Mennonite School sells homemade apple dumplings. There will also be a food court featuring barbecue chicken, apple brats, homemade soft pretzels, fresh cut fries and more.
"Apples are very popular because the Reedsville Community Association makes homemade apple butter that is not as readily available these days," said Kay Semler, association volunteer. "It is laborious and takes many hours to make.
"The homemade apple dumplings sold by Belleville Mennonite School are really popular, too," she added. And the orchard where the apples are purchased from for the apple butter bring fresh-picked apples and freshly made cider."
Two youngsters will also be crowned during the Little Miss and Mr. Reedsville Contest. The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology and the Mifflin County Drama Club will also have children's activities.
"The event is one of the first fall events of the season in Mifflin County," Semler said. "The season is noticeably changing, and people are anxious for the abundance of fall produce, cooking, gift purchasing and socializing."
Visitors to the event can purchase local apples and cider, browse artisans and crafts and listen to bluegrass music by Trade Secret Bluegrass band featuring Doug Riden, Tom Gehman, Andy and Ryan Esh, Don Frank, Rich Kratzer and Wayne Aldeman.
And what apple festival would not be complete without an apple pie baking contest. All amateur pie bakers should bring their pies to the tent by 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded.
The Keystone Studebaker Drivers Club will also exhibit 12 to 15 of their classic cars and have one for their annual raffle.
"There are many more artisans and crafters participating," Semler said.
Parking is available in the municipal lot next to Bender Park and on side streets.
"This is the seventh year for the event, and it continues to grow," Semler explained. "We, the association, hear great comments about how well people enjoy the day. Some come and spend hours; others grab the apple butter and apple dumplings and something to eat before dashing off.
"Reedsville is in the midst of a revitalization and the association is happy to play a role in this with the Apple Festival," she added.
For more information, find the association's Facebook page.