2008 PRESS RELEASES
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October 6, 2008
CELEBRATE OCTOBER VIRGINIA APPLE MONTH
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
October is Virginia Apple Month, as proclaimed by Governor Timothy M. Kaine, and there are lots of reasons to celebrate. According to experts at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the outlook for the 2008 crop is very good. Thanks to favorable weather conditions, apple-lovers can expect excellent taste, size and color. For apple producers, the news is positive, too. The 2008 market for Virginia Grown apples looks strong with substantial demand.
Todd P. Haymore, VDACS Commissioner, noted that apples are big business in Virginia. “Virginia ranked as the sixth largest apple-producing state in the nation in 2006,” he said. “With more than ten varieties grown in the Commonwealth, Virginia Grown apples have attracted national and international attention because they offer extended availability, delicious taste and high quality. In addition, they are more economical to transport within the U.S. because they are close to many major markets.”
But the real reason to celebrate Virginia Apple Month is the apples themselves. Virginia Grown apples are ready right now for picking, purchasing and of course, eating. Bins are brimming with fresh, local apples at retail grocery stores, farmers markets and roadside stands. At pick-your-own orchards and farms, apple trees are heavy with colorful fruit. What are you waiting for?
Nothing beats the crisp and crunchy, succulent and sweet taste of Virginia Grown apples. Because the state grows so many varieties, there is an excellent selection of just-picked apples from mid-summer through the end of October. Ginger Gold and Gala apples were harvested in August followed by Red and Golden Delicious as well as Jonathan apples in September. However, October is aptly named Virginia Apple Month with six varieties harvested: Rome apples in early October, York in early to mid-month, Winesaps, Staymans and Granny Smith apples in mid-October, and then Fujis late in the month.
To celebrate the crop, apple growers across the state have planned apple harvest festivals throughout October. Fresh-picked and pick-your-own apples are the stars of the show along with apple products such as apple butter, syrup, jelly and cider. Festivals also offer a range of entertainment that often includes music, hayrides, corn mazes, antique farm equipment and more. Check out the list of festivals that follows or go online to www.virginiaapples.org. Click on “Apple Festivals and Events” to find the one you want to attend.
Virginia’s many pick-your-own and select-your-own apple orchards and farms are also popular destinations during the fall season. In addition to the apples, you might find walking trails, picnic areas, hayrides, petting barns, crafts, gift shops, homemade treats, children’s activities and of course a day in the beautiful Virginia countryside. Decide where you want to visit by consulting VDACS’ Guide to Pick-Your-Own and Select-Your-Own Virginia Farm Products online at www.virginiagrown.com. Or click on Virginia Apples. It’s best to call ahead to find out what is ready to pick and the hours of operation.
(Editors: please see the attached list of Virginia apple festivals.)
APPLE FESTIVALS IN VIRGINIA
October 4 & 18, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
APPLE BUTTER MAKING FESTIVAL
Flippin-Seaman Packing Shed, Nelson County VA – 434.277.5824
October 4, 5 & 11, 12
CARTER MOUNTAIN APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Carter Mountain, Charlottesville, VA – 434.977.1833 or 434.823.4396
October 11-12
APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Marker-Miller Orchard, 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA – 540.662.1980
October 11, 12 & 18, 19
APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Graves Mountain Lodge & Farm, Syria, VA – 540.923.4231
October 18
18th APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Gross Orchard, Bedford, VA
Contact: Scott Gross – 540.586.2436
October 18
APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL
Eden United Methodist Church, Hot Springs, VA
Contact: Claudia McAllister – 540.839.2242
October 18 - 19
APPLE HARVEST & APPLE BUTTER MAKING FESTIVAL
Drumheller's Orchard, Lovingston, VA – 434.263.5036
October 18 - 19
APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL Featuring woodcraft artists
Richards Fruit Market, 6410 Middle Rd., Middletown, VA – 540.869.1455
October 18 - 19
AMHERST COUNTY APPLE FESTIVAL
Amherst Association for Family & Community Education, Amherst County High School
434.845.5606, 434.847.7435
October 18
FAIRVIEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH APPLE BUTTER MAKING FESTIVAL
Madison, VA – 540.948.3603
October 25
ANNUAL AUTUMN APPLE FESTIVAL
Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, VA 20164
Mary Novotny – 571.258.3800
November 1
APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Vintage Virginia Apples, Rural Ridge Orchards
North Garden, VA – 434.297.2326