The National Apple Harvest Festival near Gettysburg is a Fall Treat

The National Apple Harvest Festival is a country fair-type event held each October in the town of Arendtsville, Pennsylvania at the South Mountain Fairgrounds, about 10 miles from the historic town of Gettysburg.

The Apple Festival began in 1961 as the "First Apple Harvest Holiday.'' It was organized by the Adams County Fruitgrowers Association, an organization that had been running Apple Blossom Festivals since the 1950s. The first event was just a day long. By 1965, the newly-formed Adams County Jaycees got involved, the name of the event was changed, and the first official National Apple Harvest Festival happened in 1965. Events included an antique car show, pony rides, orchard bus tours, apple cider making, and sales of all sorts of apple-related products. In addition, an Apple Blossom Queen was crowned and a traditional Dutch meal was served.

In 1975, the festival expanded to the first two weekends in October and within the next 10 years, it grew to incredible proportions. Today, there are hundreds of arts and crafts dealers, entertainment, contests, auctions, games, and much more at the festival. Proceeds from some of the events benefit local charities. On average, of about 25,000 visitors per day attend the event, for an average yearly attendance of about 100,000 people.

Crafters and artisans generally number about 300 and can purchase spaces outdoors or indoors or may choose a premium location on the midway. All craft items are handmade, not mass manufactured, and this event is considered one of the premiere crafting opportunities in south central Pennsylvania.

Entertainment takes center stage at the National Apple Harvest Festival. Several stages are set up throughout the fairgrounds and there's generally some sort of entertainment going on all day long. Headliners take the stage in the evenings. There are also plenty of strolling entertainers that make their way through the fairground, entertaining fair goers with their antics of various sorts. Most concerts are free with admission to the fair, though there may be some exceptions.

The Antique Auto Show has been a fixture at the National Apple Harvest Festival since its beginning. Show-quality cars built before 1980 are accepted for display and awards are presented each day in various categories. Various other competitions are held as well, including a photo contest, an apple pie baking contest, and many others. The Ed Taylor Memorial 5K Race is also held annually in conjunction with the National Apple Harvest Festival.

Other activities at the National Apple Harvest Festival include steam engine displays, kiddie rides, craftsmen demonstrations, a petting zoo, and appearances by local celebrities, including the Pennsylvania State Apple Queen.

The south central Pennsylvania area is considered to be the heart of Pennsylvania Apple Country. Guests can enjoy tours of orchards in the region and learn about the art of apple growing and harvesting. Apples and apple products are for sale throughout the event. Other foods, including traditional country fair fare, are also for sale at the festival.