A much-anticipated harvest season ritual, the AppleJack Festival is back in Nebraska City, celebrating its 55th year with apple-themed festivities, local vendors, and an array of events to suit all tastes. The excitement is doubly sweet this year as up to 80,000 attendees are expected. Here’s what you can look forward to in the 2023 edition of this iconic event.
The Apple of Nebraska’s Eye
For over half a century, Nebraska City has been the epicenter of autumnal celebration thanks to the AppleJack Festival. Held at the famed Arbor Day Farm, the festival showcases the bounty of the season—particularly the apple harvest. Connie Van Nostrand, the marketing manager at Arbor Day Farm, exclaims, “It’s a great way to get people here, see all the community has to offer, let them taste the fruit of our orchards, the fruit of our labor.”
But it’s not just about apples. The festival brings the community together with a maker’s market, apple orchards, local vendors, crafts, and much more. “It’s really magical to be at the Arbor Day Farm, especially with all the twinkle lights and apple picking,” said Hattie Kingsley, the founder of Hearth and Craft Company.
Your AppleJack Itinerary: September 14th–17th, 2023
THURSDAY, 9/14
- Visit our local orchards!
- Locals Shopping Event
FRIDAY, 9/15
- Pancake feed, Breakfast & Bloody Marys, and more at The Keeping Room
- Used Books and a Harry Potter Party at the Morton-James Public Library
- AppleJack Quilt Patterns & Kits at Sew Enchanting
- Flea Market and Sidewalk Chalk Contest
- And much more!
SATURDAY, 9/16
- 5K Fun Run/Walk, Latin Food Sale, Lewis & Clark Reunion
- Craft & Vendor Fairs at multiple locations
- Nebraska City Extreme Bull Riding Tour
- Water Barrel Fights and Parade
- Cosmic Bowling at Arbor Lanes
SUNDAY, 9/17
- Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at NC Airport
- Apple Jacked Fitness Competition
- Art in the Alley at Self Expressions
- Cornhole Tournament at Dinty Moore’s
More Than Just Apples
While the festival is indeed a celebration of all things apple, it’s also a platform for local artisans and businesses. Vendors like Hearth Craft and Company and Sew Enchanting offer unique, hand-crafted items, turning the festival into a maker’s market of sorts.
The 55th AppleJack Festival is a celebration that extends beyond the borders of Nebraska City, drawing in people from all over the state and beyond. As Van Nostrand puts it, “It’s a great way to get them here to discover what we have to offer, not only in Nebraska City but in Nebraska.”
Don’t miss out on this harvest of fun! There’s no admission fee, and everyone is welcome. The celebration continues through September 24th, offering a whole host of activities and experiences to get you into the autumn spirit.
For more information and updates, visit the official AppleJack Festival website. Be sure to mark your calendar and join the celebration!
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