Apple harvest time arrives

By Theresa Curry/For The News Virginian
Published: October 1, 2008

Early fall in Waynesboro means Apple Days, a two-day event that’s been going on since the days when Waynesboro was covered with apple orchards, 33 years ago. It’s the first weekend of the Virginia Fall Foliage Festival and there’s something for everyone.
With classic British motor cars polished until they sparkle like the gems on display at Kate Collins Middle School and craftsmen arriving from all over, this festive community celebration is designed to take advantage of the Shenandoah Valley’s best weather. The apples that give the event its name are not forgotten: You’ll find them tucked into their traditional sweet dumpling dough of flour, butter and sugar, and sold at Willow Oak Plaza to benefit the activities of Boy Scout Troop 47.
Also at Willow Oak are the 40 or so craft vendors who will offer everything from decorative flags to furniture. Event chairman Mike Hodge says there will be plenty of jewelry and artwork, along with the useful crafts.
The juried show awards three prizes and one “best in show” ribbon, and the winners will display their ribbons by Saturday afternoon, Hodge said.
“This year we have music,” Hodge said. “Glenn Shelton, who sings country and gospel music will entertain Saturday; and gospel singer Ginger Jarrells will be there Sunday.” To add to the festive atmosphere, radio station JOY FM 96.5 will broadcast live from Willow Oak Plaza on Saturday.
The sidewalks will be covered, so any unexpected showers won’t ruin the event.
The Apple Days Craft Show is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society presents its annual show at Kate Collins Middle School both days.
“We’re a group of rockhounds,” said Roland Stetler, a member of the society and the show’s chairman. What makes a rockhound?
“Well, I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, it’s the absolute beauty of the rock’s interior once cut and polished,” Stetler said.
Society members will also have jewelry, both traditionally mounted and wire–wrapped. The show, which will be in a newly-renovated area of the school, also includes fascinating specimens that belong to society members, displayed for those who are also interested in geology. Should someone get hungry admiring the mysterious treasures of mother earth, a sandwich-counter type lunch will be available, as well as snacks and drinks. The admission of $1 benefits the society’s scholarship fund. Door prizes will be awarded every hour.
The Gem and Mineral Show is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Over at Ridgeview Park on Saturday, both classic and flashy creations of the best British automakers will park among the huge oaks.
The 27th Annual British Car Festival is the main event of the Shenandoah Valley British Car Club and is traditionally held in conjunction with Apple Days. This well-attended show has the distinction of being one of the oldest of its kind on the East Coast.
Car owners, who come from around the Valley, gather in Staunton, and motor together to Waynesboro in an elegant convoy. Car lovers can buy mud flaps and other gadgets from car related vendors and patronize the food vendors set up in the park.
The 27th Annual Shenandoah Valley British Car Festival is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also open during Apple Days are Waynesboro’s two creative cooperatives. The Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents its October Members Show in its new galleries at 126 S. Wayne Ave., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
The Artisans Center of Virginia holds a yearly open house during both days of Apple Days. The Center is the state headquarters for Virginia’s artisans. Quilters, potters, furniture makers and glassblowers from all over the state send their work here to be judged and accepted for exhibit. The Artisans Center is at Willow Oak Plaza in a store front behind the temporary craft show that will be under the sidewalk awning at Willow Oak shopping center. The open house is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.