Wellsburg Applefest has appeal for all
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WELLSBURG – For almost half a century, the Wellsburg Applefest has drawn residents from near and far for a celebration of community, food, entertainment, and a particular home-grown fruit.
The festivities are set to return for a 47th year this weekend, as several blocks of Charles Street and the Wellsburg Town Square will be lined with vendors, with activities scheduled from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The Wellsburg Applefest began in 1979 as a celebration of the local apple industry. According to legend, John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, traveled through the region as part of his trek through parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the Midwest, planting apple trees in an effort to spread the fruit throughout the country.
The Grimes Golden variety of apple - considered a favorite for eating, cooking, and making cider - was first discovered on the farm of Thomas Grimes around 1804, reportedly as part of a nursery established by Chapman near Wellsburg.
It is believed to be a parent variety to the Golden Delicious - designated as the state fruit of West Virginia.
This year’s festival promises a weekend full of live entertainment, food, and more, including apple butter making, apple cider by the glass or gallon, dumplings and candy apples.
Inflatables will be available on the Wellsburg Town Square, with free face painting all three days sponsored by Main Street Bank, and train rides sponsored by Traubert Pharmacy. A "Goats and Giggles" play area and pony rides will be provided by Double B Stables.
Chainsaw carver Jeff Rosco will be located on 7th Street, demonstrating his craft beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, with a pumpkin-carving contest at 2 p.m. on the Town Square, and a car show, sponsored by the Applefest Committee, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the area of 6th and Charles streets.
A FOAN party will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Live entertainment kicks off the weekend Friday, with DJ G Con from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Elvis tribute artist Robert Dale from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Signs of Hope from the Weirton Christian Center at 5:30 p.m., and Roger Hoard from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
It continues Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with the Chicken Liver Little Jug Band, followed by Donnie D at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the crowning of the Applefest Queen at noon, Robert Dale reappearing at 2 p.m., Mark Henderson at 3 p.m., D. David Stiles at 4 p.m., Johnna Leary at 5 p.m., and the Ron Retzer Trio at 6 p.m.
Sunday’s entertainment includes Dan Stewart at noon, the Brooke County Arts Council at 1 p.m., the Brenda Casey Dancers at 2 p.m., Josh Garrett’s steel drum band at 3 p.m., and Refugee from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Brooke County Museum will be open throughout the festival, with residents and visitors invited to stop by, tour the exhibits and see the Johnny Appleseed nutcracker.