Wachusett Mountain AppleFest

In 1969, Ralph Crowley was awarded the lease from the state to operate Wachusett Mountain. Located within the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, the well-known local ski attraction operates in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, providing skiing and snowboarding on 100-acres of terrain within a 450-acre lease area. Wachusett Mountain has a long history of tourism on the mountain. The first hotel was constructed on the summit in 1882. Over 600,000 people visit the mountain year round with at least half of that number visiting the Wachusett State Reservation in the summer and fall.

During the off-season, the ski destination holds a number of events including their annual fall AppleFest. It is Wachusett Mountain's longest running and most popular fall festival and it is back again celebrating its 34th year this weekend, October 14-15 in Princeton, MA. AppleFest features over 150 craft fair & farmers' market booths, family entertainment, scenic foliage skyrides to the summit, mountainside barbecue, pony rides, clowns, a climbing wall, jugglers and magicians for the kids. AppleFest also features a Celtic celebration complete with authentic Celtic music, cuisine, a multitude of delicious brews in the beer garden along accompanied by live music. It's no wonder this event has been around nearly 3 and a half decades!

Here's a peek a the Schedule of Events:

• Live Music from 10:30-4:30 all weekend by the Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band
• Dance Performances daily at 11:30 and 12:30 by McInerney Irish Dance and at 2:30 and 3:30 by Flying Irish Studio
• Great New England Apple Pie Contest Saturday, October 14th
• Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Saturday, October 14th
• Cider House 5K Sunday, October 15th
• Blueberry Pie Eating Contests All Weekend Long

Ticket prices vary by age and package:

Standard

Adults (12yr and up)

$11 Advance, $14 Door

Children 6-12

$6 Advance, $9 Door

*Children 5 & under are FREE

Admission PLUS (Admission plus one trip on the SkyRide)

Adult: $19 Advance, $22 Door

Ages 6-12: $12 Advance, $17 Door

Festival Package (Admission, one SkyRide and a $10 Food Voucher)

Adult: $24 Advance Only

Ages 6-12: $17 Advance Only

For more information, visit the Wachusett Mountain website.

Join us this weekend in celebrating another year of AppleFest and devour the details of all Wachusett Mountain has to offer during its off-season. See you there!