Join the annual event that has been called one of Wisconsin's "Best" festivals by Wisconsin Trails Magazine; the Bayfield Apple Festival. This event takes place in Early October when the historic streets of Bayfield are filled with eager residents and travelers alike in anticipation of the festivities. During the event there will be local orchard stands, fine art exhibitors, musicians, crafters, and festival food booths.
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As festivities kick off Bayfield will welcome over 50,000 visitors throughout the weekend, who come to celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest and scenic beauty of the Bayfield Peninsula, the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The festivities begin with an Apple Pie and Dessert contest at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion. Test your culinary skills by entering your finest hand-crafted recipe or sample your own piece of "Bayfield apple" pie with cinnamon ice cream and coffee on the side, during the Community Pie Social. Everyone is invited to attend this event.
Come on Friday to beat the crowds and witness the "official opening proclamation" of the festival by Bayfield's own Mayor, preceded by a special performance of the Bayfield High School Marching Band. Be sure to stick around for an electrifying performance by Big Top Chautauqua's Blue Canvas Orchestra at the Grandstand stage on Rittenhouse Avenue. This highly acclaimed, professional local troupe will be showcasing songs from their original historical musicals at the Grandstand stage throughout the weekend.
Take a stroll along "Orchard Lane" and you'll find yourself in apple heaven: Caramel apples, apple pies, apple tortes, dumplings or tarts, apple sundaes, apple cider, bags and bushels of apples - even apple bratwurst, mustard, and butter - it's all about the apples this weekend in Bayfield. Along with over 60 orchard and food booths, you'll find nearly 150 arts and crafts vendors throughout Bayfield's picturesque downtown and the lakeside Memorial Park. Parking is available on the festival grounds as well as at Hauser's Superior View Farm and Isle Vista Casino, who offer free shuttle transportation to and from the festival on Saturday and Sunday.
Children of all ages will be thrilled with a traditional carnival, complete with games and rides, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Want to learn more about the history of the Apostle Islands area? Stop by the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore booth and hear about Ojibwe traditions and participate in activities designed to educate children about the rich cultural and natural history of Bayfield.
By Melody Schubert
Getting There:
For more information on the Apple Festival, and other current events, attractions, or to plan your trip visit the at Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau at www.bayfield.org or call (800)447-4094.