Features

It’s that time of year again, folks. The spindly branches of oak, birch, and maple trees sway gently overhead as their vibrant orange, red, gold and brown leaves fall to the ground. It’s the perfect time for leaf-watching and apple-picking adventures, long-time traditions for fall enthusiasts. One of the highlights of the autumn season in the Northland is the Bayfield Apple Festival in Bayfield, Wisc. This year, Bayfield Apple Fest celebrated its 62nd anniversary, kicking off a weekend filled with apple-themed fun on Friday, Oct. 4, and wrapping up on Sunday, Oct. 6.

     Ever since 1962, Bayfield Apple Fest has been a beloved tradition, warming the hearts (and satisfying the appetites) of tourists and locals alike. The festival, which began as a small community event, has grown over the years to become a three-day celebration of Bayfield’s iconic apple orchards. The festival features a rich array of activities, including a farmer’s market, food and craft stalls, carnivals, live music and orchard tours. The grand finale of Bayfield Apple Fest is the Grand Parade, a spectacle that has been a highlight of the festival since its early days. The parade features the Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay, beautifully decorated Apple Orchard floats, high school marching band performances and a mass band playing “On Wisconsin.” 

     Oh, and when in Bayfield, you have to get food. There are apple-inspired sweets and treats galore, and not just caramel apples, even though they are a delicious classic. My favorite thing to do is warm up with a cup of hot apple cider and top it off with an apple brat and a caramel apple sundae. It might sound weird, but apple-flavored combinations just work in Bayfield! Plus, there’s always something new to try, like cinnamon ice cream or apple cheesecake.

     This year, I was able to attend the Grand Parade on Sunday, Oct. 6. As the parade began, the crowd seemed to part like the sea, creating a clear path for the procession. I found a comfortable spot between two trash cans and settled in for the show. The marching bands, featuring hundreds of high school students from across Wisc. and Minn., filled the air with lively music. Some students had even traveled over a hundred miles to participate in the parade, a testament to the festival’s enduring appeal. I was particularly excited to see some schools I recognized, including the Cherry Tigers and the Marshall Hilltoppers.

     While Bayfield Apple Fest may have ended, you won’t want to miss the chance to take a stroll and explore the beauty of Bayfield. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the gorgeous fall colors before they fade—and who knows, you might even find a parking spot! So, what are you waiting for? Go on and get out there!