From Our Orchards to Your FamilyAn All-American Celebration
From its very beginning, the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival has been rooted in the orchards that helped shape our region and the families, businesses, and communities that have grown alongside them. This year’s theme, “From Our Orchards to Your Family, An All-American Celebration,” reflects the deep connections between our agricultural heritage and the people who continue to carry those traditions forward, while also celebrating the 250th birthday of our nation and the American values, traditions and sense of community that bring us together.
Rooted in Orchard Country since 1979
Apple carnivals filled downtown Martinsburg as far back as 1896. In 1979, Charles Thornton, Jr. rallied local businesses and volunteers to revive the tradition — and the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival was born. Nearly five decades later, it remains a celebration of the apple industry, the Eastern Panhandle, and the generations of volunteers who help it bear fruit each October.
The festival is made possible by our Presenting Sponsor — a proud festival partner since 2019.
Meet our Presenting Sponsor →
A Weekend Woven with Tradition
From the roar of the parade to the quiet pride of a blue-ribbon pie — these are the moments families return for, year after year.
Coronation of Queen Pomona
Named for the Roman goddess of orchards, a new Queen Pomona is crowned every year before her court in a ceremony as old as the festival itself.
Grand Feature Parade
Floats, bands, and Queen Pomona’s court roll through downtown Martinsburg in the festival’s most beloved event.
Bob Baronner Apple Trample 5K
Lace up for a crisp October morning run to kick off day 3 of the festival.
Apple Pie Contest and Auction
Home bakers compete for bragging rights — then the winning pies go to the highest bidder for a good cause.
The Makers Market
Regional artisans, crafters, boutiques, and pop-up vendors come together to create a fun shopping experience filled with unique finds, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Rodeo at the Fairgrounds
Hold on tight, as the Fairgrounds come alive with the thrills, grit, and heart-pounding action of the rodeo!
Four Days. One Big Homecoming.
A sampling of the weekend — see the full 2026 schedule for times and locations.
- Evening The Royal Gala
- Morning Apple Pie Baking Contest
- Midday Pomona Ladies Brunch
- Evening Coronation of Queen Pomona
- Night Queen’s Grand Ball
- Morning Pancake Breakfast and 5K
- All Day The Makers Market
- Afternoon Grand Feature Parade
- Early Evening Rodeo at the Fairgrounds
- Morning Pancake Breakfast
- All Day Festival at the Fairgrounds
- All Day Makers Market and Ag Activities
- Afternoon Pie Auction and Quilt Raffle
Queen Pomona and Her Court
Each year, a new court of maids, princesses, and minor court are selected to represent the festival, with a new Queen Pomona being crowned each year at the opening of the festival. Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit trees and orchards, lends her name to the festival’s queen.
Help Write the Next Chapter
The festival runs on volunteers, vendors, and sponsors — generations of neighbors giving their time to keep the tradition alive.
Become a Vendor
Join the Makers Market or Festival at the Fairgrounds. Food, craft, and commercial spaces available.
Vendor Application →
Sponsor the Festival
2026 sponsorships are available now — put your business in front of thousands of festival-goers.
Sponsorship Packages →
Volunteer With Us
From parade day to pie judging, every hour you give keeps this 47-year tradition blooming.
Sign Up to Volunteer →
Follow the Festival
Schedules, court appearances, vendor announcements, and everything October — we share it all on Facebook and Instagram.
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