With more than 100 commercial orchards in the state, Virginia is well known for its apple harvest. Growers in the state produce around 5 million bushels of apples per year, contributing over $200 million to Virginia's economy. Apple varieties grown in Virginia include Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji and Ginger Gold. Apple festivals take place throughout the state every growing season.
The Chilhowie Apple Festival happens in late September and lasts for three days. Pageants take place the weekend prior in order to choose the pageant winners who will participate in the festival activities. Children enjoy watching the floats pass by in the parade and showing off their miniature family members in the pet show. Adults peruse the arts and crafts exhibits looking for new additions to their home. All attendees can learn how to make apple butter or delight in the live entertainment offered throughout the festival. The festival also includes a little league football jamboree and a Chilhowie football game for sports fans.
Chilhowie Apple Festival
Chilhowie. VA
276-646-8213
chilhowieapplefestival.com
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival takes place in the spring and lasts for a week. A wine fest will open the festival during the first weekend allowing participants to try samples from their favorite vineyards. Photography buffs will want to enter the photo contest, while kids chase after the carnival rides. Culinary artists face off in an apple pie baking contest. Golfers swing the clubs at the golf tournament on Wednesday and enjoy a sports breakfast on Saturday. Other attractions at the festival include a circus, a parade, square dancing and music performances.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Inc.
135 North Cameron Street
Winchester, VA
540-662-3863
www.thebloom.com
Every fall, the Boones Mill Lions Club sponsors the Boones Mill Apple Festival. Attendees can relax and listen to a day of live music by a variety of entertainers. The Garden Tractor Pull is a favorite event and brings many attendees back every year. Bounce rides and games promise children a day filled with fun. Fifty-fifty raffle tickets will also be for sale giving attendees the chance to win. Proceeds from the Boones Mill Apple Festival support the Boones Mill Lions Club.
Boones Mill Apple Festival
Easy Street
Boones Mill, Virginia
boonesmillapplefestival.com
