DOVER —
Apple Harvest Day was first organized in 1984 by a small group of downtown merchants. In 1987, with the formation of the Downtown Dover Business Department, the event became a Chamber function. In the early 1980’s, the City of Dover took advantage of a federal Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) given to the city for renewal of the urban core. Apple Harvest Day was designed to celebrate the revitalization of downtown Dover and to attract people into the redeveloped downtown business district.
“Although 26 years have passed, we’re really still celebrating Dover’s revitalization today, as most Dover residents would agree that our City as a whole has really flourished in recent years. This is evident not only in the improvements in the downtown area, but also in the growth of the Weeks Crossing and Indian Brook Drive development areas, and the expansion in Dover’s industrial parks as well,” notes Chamber executive Director Kirt Schuman. “With a thriving downtown,” he adds, “all local businesses are given a boost, and the more events like Apple Harvest Day that we can use to showcase our City and attract new businesses, residents and tourists, the more Dover becomes a destination, The Family Capital of the Seacoast, in the minds of those from neighboring cities and states.”
Vendors at Apple Harvest Day were originally located only along Central Avenue. Over the years, however, the event has expanded into Henry Law Park and now attracts over 35,000 people and 300 vendors into downtown Dover on the first Saturday in October, which this year falls on Oct. 2nd. This year’s Festival is underwritten by Federal Savings Bank.
To celebrate Dover’s annual autumn event, the 2010 Festival will feature new pavilions, an even greater array of entertainment options than ever before, including the 2nd running of the Apple Harvest Day 5K Road Race, underwritten by PainCare and Salmon Falls Family Health through the downtown area on Saturday morning and a completely revised and family friendly amusement zone in Henry Law Park.
The Apple Harvest Day Committee is also creating some new exhibiting and performance opportunities this year to try to broaden the appeal of the event. A “Green Marketplace” has been added, which will enable environmentally and socially conscious businesses to highlight those aspects of their organizations. Similarly, a “Made in NH” pavilion will feature crafts and products made here in New Hampshire. Additionally, a north end entertainment stage has been added. Also new this year is the “Seacoast Chef’s Challenge” which we feature local chefs facing off in an Apple Themed cooking competition.
Indeed, it appears that seacoast area residents can expect more entertainment, attractions and surprises than ever at this year’s Apple Harvest Day celebration, where there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
The Festival Committee is now accepting applications for vendors. FMI: www.dovernh.org or (603) 742-2218.
Photo caption: Vendors needed for Apple Harvest Day scheduled for October 2, 2010 (Courtesy photo)
Apple Harvest Day was first organized in 1984 by a small group of downtown merchants. In 1987, with the formation of the Downtown Dover Business Department, the event became a Chamber function. In the early 1980’s, the City of Dover took advantage of a federal Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) given to the city for renewal of the urban core. Apple Harvest Day was designed to celebrate the revitalization of downtown Dover and to attract people into the redeveloped downtown business district.
“Although 26 years have passed, we’re really still celebrating Dover’s revitalization today, as most Dover residents would agree that our City as a whole has really flourished in recent years. This is evident not only in the improvements in the downtown area, but also in the growth of the Weeks Crossing and Indian Brook Drive development areas, and the expansion in Dover’s industrial parks as well,” notes Chamber executive Director Kirt Schuman. “With a thriving downtown,” he adds, “all local businesses are given a boost, and the more events like Apple Harvest Day that we can use to showcase our City and attract new businesses, residents and tourists, the more Dover becomes a destination, The Family Capital of the Seacoast, in the minds of those from neighboring cities and states.”
Vendors at Apple Harvest Day were originally located only along Central Avenue. Over the years, however, the event has expanded into Henry Law Park and now attracts over 35,000 people and 300 vendors into downtown Dover on the first Saturday in October, which this year falls on Oct. 2nd. This year’s Festival is underwritten by Federal Savings Bank.
To celebrate Dover’s annual autumn event, the 2010 Festival will feature new pavilions, an even greater array of entertainment options than ever before, including the 2nd running of the Apple Harvest Day 5K Road Race, underwritten by PainCare and Salmon Falls Family Health through the downtown area on Saturday morning and a completely revised and family friendly amusement zone in Henry Law Park.
The Apple Harvest Day Committee is also creating some new exhibiting and performance opportunities this year to try to broaden the appeal of the event. A “Green Marketplace” has been added, which will enable environmentally and socially conscious businesses to highlight those aspects of their organizations. Similarly, a “Made in NH” pavilion will feature crafts and products made here in New Hampshire. Additionally, a north end entertainment stage has been added. Also new this year is the “Seacoast Chef’s Challenge” which we feature local chefs facing off in an Apple Themed cooking competition.
Indeed, it appears that seacoast area residents can expect more entertainment, attractions and surprises than ever at this year’s Apple Harvest Day celebration, where there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
The Festival Committee is now accepting applications for vendors. FMI: www.dovernh.org or (603) 742-2218.
Photo caption: Vendors needed for Apple Harvest Day scheduled for October 2, 2010 (Courtesy photo)
