It’s a big celebration and historic Nappanee continues its tradition of being one of Indiana’s top fall festivals when its annual Apple Festival opens September, 15-18. Beginning in 1975 as a one-block festival, the community of 7000 will offer up great Hoosier Hospitality as it welcomes over 80,000 people to the three and a half day event.
Kicking off one week in advance (Sept 10) is a tractor and truck pull, drawing in competition from the Midwest area. The popularity and participation of the tractor pull has grown annually over the past few years with attendance records being set at each event.
Festival week features Indiana’s largest 7′ apple pie, the Napple Store with everything apple, 190 craft & commercial vendors, 25 food booths, carnival rides, exhibits, contests, demonstrations, Thursday’s scholarship queen pageant, Friday and Saturday’s Antique Tractor & Engine Show at Power from the Past Showgrounds, Saturday’s parade with vintage war plane flyover followed by Wings & Wheel Airport Show and Sunday antique tractor pull, worship service, gospel music, and talent show.
Headlining the entertainment will be FLIPPENOUT, a unique and explosive show appealing to audiences of all ages. This production features world class athletes who bring the finest in extreme trampoline show entertainment. They have performed for the NBA, NFL, NCAA, NHL, WNBA, campuses, fairs and festivals.
Two free entertainment stages offer music genres ranging from rock & roll to classic rock, folk, bluegrass, country, gospel and variety. Kid’s favorite’s include Mike Hemmelgarn, comedy juggler & ventriloquist, Silly Safaris and the Granpa Crachet Kids Show and Puppets.
There will be plenty of your choice apple favorites: apple pie, apple fritters, apple dumplings, apple turnovers, apple fry pies, apple bread, applesauce, apple cider and apple butter to devour during the festival or take home to enjoy later.
Experience a truly unique hometown festival that leaves you marking your calendar for a return trip the following year.
The festival is made possible through the financial support of local and area retail and corporate businesses, City of Nappanee employees, Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce and a dedicated group of volunteers. Principal sponsors are Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mediacom, Martin’s Supermarket, Kountry Cabinets and Home Furnishings, WSBT.
A complete list of entertainment, events and map can be downloaded from the 2016 Apple Festival Events brochure. For this information and lodging options visit: www.nappaneeapplefestival.org. Visit us on Facebook.
