Applefest (Bayfield, Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bayfield Applefest |
|
|---|---|
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location(s) | Bayfield, Wisconsin, United States |
| Years active | 62–63 |
| Attendance | 60,000 (estimated) |
The Bayfield Applefest is a super fun fall festival. It happens every October in Bayfield, Wisconsin. This festival started way back in 1962. Now, about 60,000 people visit it each year! People come from all over the Midwest to enjoy it.
This festival celebrates Bayfield's local history. It especially shows off products from many local apple orchards and wineries. There are lots of cool things to do and see. The street festival has over 60 booths. You can find fresh foods and local crafts there.
Other fun activities include tours of the 14 local orchards. You can also listen to live music. Plus, there's an amusement park to enjoy!
History of Applefest
The idea for Applefest began in the early 1960s. Jim Erickson owned an apple orchard in Bayfield. One day, he was taking apples to North Dakota. His truck got a flat tire in Duluth. While he waited for a new tire, many people stopped. They wanted to buy his apples right there!
Jim sold many bushels of apples to 25 people. This made him wonder. Why were he and other apple growers traveling so far? They could sell their apples closer to home. This idea led to a big discussion. Soon, the idea of Applefest was born!
The very first Applefest was in 1962. About 5,000 people attended that year. Over the years, Applefest has grown a lot. More and more people come to enjoy the festival each year.
In 2020, Applefest was not held. Officials decided to cancel it because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 59th festival was moved to 2021. It has been happening every year since then.
Applefest in Pop Culture
- Best Festival: Wisconsin Trails Magazine called Applefest the “Best Festival in Wisconsin.”
- Top Food Festival: USA Today listed it as one of the “10 Best Specialty Food Festivals in the Nation.”
- Special Beer: The local South Shore Brewery makes a special beer. It's called AppleFest Ale. This craft-brewed drink is very popular. You can find it during the fall season.
