Downtown Mount Vernon will once again come alive with fall fun, entertainment, and celebration at the 4th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival, sponsored by The Peoples Bank of Gambier, on Friday, Oct. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. on East Ohio Avenue in Downtown Mount Vernon. Hosted by Experience Mount Vernon, this free, family-friendly event will honor the legacy of one of Knox County’s most beloved folk heroes, Johnny Appleseed, and feature a variety of activities for all ages.
Event highlights:
● Elementary School Performances – Enjoy performances by the 3rd-grade classes of Wiggin Street and Pleasant Street Elementary Schools. Performances will begin on the Open Road Renewables Main Stage at 5:10 p.m.
● Food Trucks – Savor the flavors of the season at the Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail sponsored by Glen Hill Orchards. Food trucks will be located in the COTC parking lot next to Happy Street Brü Werks.
● Craft Vendors & Artisans – Browse a wide selection of handmade goods from local artisans, including fall décor, crafts, and specialty items.
● Children’s Activities – Bring the kids for an array of activities at the Burrata Woodfired Activity Zone hosted by the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland and Boy Scout Troop 328 that celebrate the spirit of autumn.
● Historical Reenactments – Learn about the life of John “Johnny Appleseed” Chapman through an interactive historical reenactment and storytelling session by Jim Stoner. The reenactment will begin on the Open Road Renewables Main Stage at 5:40 p.m.
● Live Music – Bring your dancing shoes to enjoy live music by the very talented Serra Austin Band beginning at 6 p.m. on the Open Road Renewables Main Stage.
● Celebrate the Arts - MTVarts will be hosting an open house at Warehouse14 at 14 East Ohio Avenue all evening.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 4th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival and are grateful to The Peoples Bank of Gambier for sponsoring again this year,” said Lacey Filkins, executive director of Experience Mount Vernon. “This event has become a beloved tradition for our community, and we invite everyone to come downtown, enjoy the fall weather, and experience all the fun activities we have planned.”
This year’s festival promises to offer something for everyone to enjoy while honoring Mount Vernon’s rich heritage and the folklore of Johnny Appleseed.
East Ohio Avenue will close to parked and thru traffic between South Gay and South Main Streets beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. Event attendees are encouraged to park along South Main Street or in public parking lots.
The 4th Annual Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival is an approved DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) event. For more information about Mount Vernon’s DORA, visit experiencemv.org/mount-vernon-dora.
