Apple Fest at Historic Bethabara Park

Saturday, October 26, 2019 rain date October 27
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

If you're ready for fall and looking for a fun, free, family-friendly event, mark your calendars for Historic Bethabara Park's Apple Festival! Beloved by many, this yearly event features local artisans and craftsmen, a puppet show, local food vendors, racing pigs, a petting zoo, live music, and, of course, apples. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2019

This page will be updated as information becomes available.

 Barn Field

 Gemeinhaus

 Visitor Center

 Main Stage Music

Pavilion

Apple History at Bethabara Park

When Moravians arrived in Bethabara in 1753, they almost immediately set about planting apple trees from seeds brought from Europe. According to records, it was recommended to plant six apple trees for every family member.

Within a few years, all the hills around the Park were filled with apple orchards. It is estimated between five and eight acres, according to the maps the Moravians kept.

Apples were among Bethabara's biggest products, probably not far behind cattle. The settlers also probably traded grafts from apple trees to pioneers who passed through Bethabara on their way our west.

Historically, apples were a big part of American life. In the Piedmont, people mostly dried apples but the Moravians built root cellars where fresh apples could be kept for a long time.

Apples were used the same as today - dried apples in pies, apple cider to drink, as a side dish and as vinegar.

We celebrate Apple Festival with a tribute to the Moravian way of life on this day.