Our annual Apple Festival is back again!

Come to see the gears turn and the 32 foot water wheel show its force as we grind several hundred pounds of corn and gallons of apple cider! The historians will be boiling their apple butter as usual - but this year, do not bring your own jar! They will supply them.

Mill tours will occur on the hour at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm.

The Blue Ball Tavern will be open each day for visitors to view thousands of local artifacts from Perry County. There will be Civil War demonstrators there on Saturday. 

New for this year! We will be hosting a pumpkin painting and carving competition! Entries for prizes will be in 2 groups - those 11 years and younger will be in one category and those 12 yrs -18 yrs will be in the second category. We will also have an area for those 18 yrs and older to display pumpkins. Pumpkins entered for the competition must be submitted to the park office by Friday, October 20th. They can be dropped off during business hours (8am-4pm) or by apt. Call the park office for more details - 717-567-9255.

We will offer a limited number of pumpkins for kids to paint at the event on Saturday, while supplies last. 

The Back Porch Pickers will provide music for Saturday from 11am-2pm.

Jay Smar will be performing "Ol Time Mt Folk Music" on Sunday from 11am-2pm. 

Greta from Antur Storytelling will be back at the Butterfly garden again this year on Saturday. Her engaging stories are loved by kids and adults of all ages! We will have additional kids' storytime on Sunday as well at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm.

Blacksmiths will be demonstrating metal working, and fiber artists will be demonstrating the art of spinning fiber, carding wool, and weaving. The Perry Piecemakers will also show off their quilt tying skills. We will also have Michael Paluso glass demonstrating glass blowing as well both days. Most will have goods to purchase as well!

Several art and craft vendors will be available both days for you to find that unique holiday gift for yourself or family! Our line up includes Valerie Moyer Fine Art, Lennox Market, Crocheted Crafts, Perry Valley Resin, Pottery, Candles, Chainsaw carvings, Electric Artery, Sylvan Dell Lavendar Farm, Metal Creations, Blackbeard's Bounty, and more!

Educational displays, including live rattlesnakes on Sunday, will be at the stage and outdoor classroom throughout the festival. You can learn about unique antiques of the past with retired educator Paul Fagley and his display "Guess the Gadget". You can make your own butter to spread on your cornbread, or play with some old-fashioned toys, as well as explore macroinvertebrates and learn about birds, reptiles, or honey bees. Our local falconer will be bringing some birds and discussing the art of falconry. We'll even have our forestry ranger doing a primitive skills lesson during the event. We've got something for everyone!

And of course, some of the best food you can find in the county! The Speckled Moose, Cumberland Gap BBQ, The Big Cheese, and the Perry Historians will make sure you don't leave hungry!

So bring your appetite and willingness to learn as we take a step back in time for Apple Fest!

**Service animals are welcome, but please consider leaving pets at home. They do not enjoy crowds as we do. Pets will not be allowed in the tavern or mill. The grounds are not fully ADA accessible, but if you need accommodations, let the park know ahead of time. Some vendors may prefer card payments, but most, including the Friends and Historians, will be cash only. This entire event is FREE, but donations are encouraged! All proceeds benefit the Friends of Little Buffalo, and will be going towards two major projects - our Way Car #12 Restoration project and our new ADA accessible playground!

Volunteers are still welcome to help with some of these activities! If you are interested in helping out, please reach out to the park at 717-567-9255. We hope to see you at the festival!