ZOAR, Ohio – Historic Zoar Village was once noted for its apples and music. This historic German village will commemorate that heritage at its annual Apfelfest, Oct. 5-6. Hours are Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
New to the event this year is a Band Organ Rally, with participants bringing over 25 mechanical band organs, the type usually seen in merry-go-rounds, from all over the country. These restored organs will be playing at locations all around the village.
The event is held around the community’s central garden. Included will be an apple butter stirring and other demonstrations by Zoar volunteers. Fall produce, including pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and apples will be sold. Fall-themed crafts will be sold by local vendors, and food will be available from booths operated by local civic organizations.
Children will vie for prizes in the longest apple peel contest, corn husking and pumpkin decorating held throughout the day. Garden events and the band organs are free.
On Saturday at 1 p.m., the Big Ditch Boys, a vintage baseball team, will play an opponent at the Zoar Baseball Diamond on First Street. The team uses rules from the 1860s.
In addition, the site’s 10 museum buildings, which detail the lives of the German religious Separatists who founded the village in 1817, will be open for visitation. Each will be staffed with costumed interpreters who will explain Zoar’s history.
Admission to the museums is $5 for adults, and $1.25 for children 6-12. Children under 6 and Ohio Historical Society members are admitted free.
For more information call Zoar Village at 800-874-4336.
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