The Hay Creek Apple Festival returns to Historic Joanna Furnace in Robeson Township on Oct. 11 and 12.
The Hay Creek Valley Historical Association Volunteers will once again tempt your taste buds at one of the most family-friendly festivals in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The traditional fall apple harvest is firmly rooted within our local rural heritage and culture. The aroma of fresh apples in the cool autumn air brings back pleasant recollections to adults and creates distinct memories for our children.
For 45 years, parents have made this event a family tradition. Today’s parents who came to the event as kids are returning with grandparents and their own children.
Visitors can arrive early and start the day with an apple pancake breakfast, served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days. The breakfast will be served in the historic Joanna Furnace Mule Stable and offer all-you-can-eat apple pancakes plus a piece of county sausage with juice and/or coffee.
Homemade apple dumplings are on the menu at the Hay Creek Apple Festival. (Courtesy of the Hay Creek Apple Festival)
Throughout the day, a variety of traditional apple food is available, from freshly pressed cider to fritters, pies, crisps and dumplings.
Another favorite is Mabel’s Iron-Kettle Soups, cooked over open fires. There is Chicken Corn Noodle, Beef Vegetable and Ham & Bean with rivels. Soups are also available by the quart for taking home and can be frozen to be enjoyed later.
Also on the menu: chicken potpie (also available by the quart for taking home), pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, chili, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, sausage sandwiches, soda, water and coffee plus additional festive foods and beverages. Wine and craft beer will also be available.
The Hay Creek Apple Dessert Contest will return and take place on Saturday morning. Bring your entries, cakes/breads, cookies, pies and miscellaneous desserts, to the Festival Food Court area between 8 and 9 a.m. Include a detailed recipe. Judging will take place at 10. Winners in each category will receive $30 plus two complimentary passes to the upcoming Christmas at Joanna event.
The Hay Creek Flea Market will be open both days at 7 a.m. The market includes over 100 vendors with household, antique and vintage, tools, clothing, children’s toys, home decor and craft items.
There will be many family friendly activities at the 2025 Hay Creek Apple Festival. Look for wagon rides, scarecrow building, pumpkin painting, and Hay Creek’s apple barrel express ride. (Courtesy of the Hay Creek Apple Festival)
Family activities are woven throughout this two-day festival, starting at 9 a.m., including scarecrow building, pumpkin painting, hay rides and face painting.
Six of the historic Joanna Furnace buildings will be open with garbed interpreters telling the full historical story of the 19th century ironworks and village.
The festival runs from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 11 and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 12. Admission is free. Parking is on the historic Joanna Furnace site with a donation.