The third weekend in September will bring visitors to Fort Wayne from around the country to celebrate the life and times of John Chapman known as Johnny Appleseed.
The 29th annual Johnny Appleseed Festival is scheduled to occur on Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Archer Park and Johnny Appleseed Park located adjacent to the Memorial Coliseum off US Highway 930 and Parnell Avenue.
Free parking is available at IPFW and Concordia High School. Additional parking is available at the Memorial Coliseum for a fee. Shuttle buses will run from IPFW and Concordia for a minimal fee of $.50 per person each way.
The festival provides a unique atmosphere of enjoyment, while still learning about history. It is an event that the whole family will enjoy. The emphasis of family is also exhibited by the decision of Festival‚s Board of Directors to donate all proceeds from the Wishing Well to the Vincent House. In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, the Johnny Appleseed Festival decided to donate that year‚s Wishing Well proceeds, usually earmarked for Festival projects, to the Salvation Army to assist in the relief and recovery efforts. Festival visitors that year donated over $3000 to the Wishing Well, and the Festival matched that figure, resulting in a donation of over $6000. The Board decided to continue that tradition again this year with the donation to the Vincent House. The Vincent House provides a homelike environment for homeless families as they work towards independence, with 70 percent of those individuals being children. The Festival will once again be matching a portion of these donations.
The festival maintains an authentic pioneer setting with period dress by all participants. The pioneer atmosphere is further reflected in the following: food cooked over open fires freshfruits, vegetables and herbs antiques and handmade crafts activities for children demonstrationsby tradesman livinghistory hill with military encampment in addition to trappers and traders entertainmenton stage and throughout the festival grounds.
These events will offer fun and excitement for the entire family.
Admission to the festival is free.