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At Apple Days Festival and Market to Go Sept. 16-17, enjoy delicious foods, cornhole competition, live music and more
September 1st, 2023 | In The News
NJ.COM, AUGUST 28, 2023 — As August becomes September and the weather slowly gives up the heat to cooler days, memories of summer vacations and days at the beach turn to thoughts of the coming season and eventually end-of-the-year holidays.
But the fun isn’t over yet. Not by a long shot.
Autumn comes to the area by way of the Apple Days Festival and Market to Go in Historic Bethlehem, Saturday, Sept. 16, and Sunday, Sept. 17. Those who attend both days might just be able to squeeze in all the activities and events being planned, but it’ll take some doing.
The first-annual Cornhole Tournament will get things going on Saturday at the fall festival’s location, Bethlehem’s Burnside Plantation. Practice and check-in will begin at 11 a.m., and bags will start to fly in competition at noon. Entry fee is $40 per team, which includes festival admission. Those who just want to watch the competition pay only the admission fee. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place teams.
Discount tickets for festival admission cost $10 in advance (before Sept. 16) and $12 the day of the festival. Family packs are $25 in advance (two adults and two children). At the Apple Brewery tent, samples of Lehigh Valley craft beer, wines and spirits will be available to adults. A special pass to the brewery is $25 in pre-order and includes one adult admission, five tastings and a tasting glass.
Beyond the cornhole tournament, the festival will feature live music, great foods and desserts and the brewery tastings. Crafters and vendors will be displaying their wares on the grounds, so visitors will be able to find creative gifts and souvenirs, among other items.
At the Dessert Tent, fresh-baked goods (including everything apple, of course) will be available for purchase. The festival does allow dog owners to bring their pets, but the dogs must stay on a leash at all times, and bring bags for any deposits your dog might leave behind. Many pet-related vendors will be on hand for items such as bandanas or artisanal dog treats.
In Crafter Village, visitors will be able to find a wide variety of items, from handmade jewelry to pottery, gourmet food for purchase and fashion items that can’t be found in stores.
The Apple Days Festival and Market to Go will also offer a tour of the Colonial barn and garden tours with a historical bent, where guests can learn something new. The look into history continues with demonstrations of Colonial cooking, gardening and brewing.
Families can expect to find a variety of lawn games and activities. Pony rides also will be available so a good time is guaranteed for all.
At the Dessert Tent, fresh-baked goods (including everything apple, of course) will be available for purchase. Those who wish to buy pies, strudels or desserts in advance to take home can pre-order and pick up tasty treats at the Market to Go Friday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Preorders are available now. No admission fee is required at Market to Go Sept. 15. Admission is required on festival days Sept. 16 and 17.
Burnside Plantation is located at 1461 Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem. Parking on the festival grounds will be limited to staff, volunteers, vendors and performers. For visitors, festival parking is available on the east side of Monocacy Creek and the Moravian University lot, W. 1150 Mauch Chunk Road, a short walk from the festival grounds. Shuttle service will be available from Nitschmann Middle School, 1002 West Union in Bethlehem, and will be running to the festival grounds and back.
— Jeffrey Cohen
