Apple Blossom Festival to kick off growing season
Admire Adams County's lush apple orchards and celebrate the growing season at the 61st Apple Blossom Festival, set for May 7 and 8 at the South Mountain Fairgrounds.
A longstanding tradition of the Adams County Fruit Growers Association, the family-friendly event highlights the region's most fruitful industry. Guests will enjoy guided tours throughout the Fruit Belt and family-operated farms, and growers will share their stories and expertise with the public.
Growers will have value-added and farm fresh products for sale in a farmer's market style format, and local food vendors will populate the fairgrounds. Wine, chocolate, cheese and hard cider will be served at the Wine Barn.
Antique cars, Corvette shows, magic shows and more than 130 craft vendors are among the highlights of the weekend. The Klinger McFry Band and Borderline will provide musical entertainment. The Carroll County Cloggers will also perform.
Children will enjoy a host of activities, including a petting zoo, bounce house, kiddie tractor pulls and puppet shows. The Crunch Quest Healthy Kid's Challenge, an educational scavenger hunt, will send the little ones all over the fairgrounds to find eight etchings at various posts while learning about the importance of eating fresh fruits and exercising.
Participants will receive prizes, and children who collect all of the etchings will be in the running for grand prizes from Healthy Adams County.
Festival royalty will be recognized with the crowning of the Pennsylvania Apple Queen and Apple Princesses, which honors students from Adams County high schools. The ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Active apple lovers may take part in the 6K Orchard Fun Run, which snakes around the fairgrounds and through Adams County's breathtaking fruit belt.
If you go
What: 61st Apple Blossom Festival
Where: South Mountain Fairgrounds, 615 Narrows Road, Biglerville
When: May 7 and 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5 for adults. Children age 12 and under may enter for free. Free parking is available.
More information: appleblossomfestival.info.