Apple Days Are Here Again
By Amber Ward

Julian Journal file Photo

After a 33-year hiatus, Apple Days will return to Julian on Oct. 6 and 7.

The Apple Days Festival, which will take place at Menghini Winery, is a celebration of Julian apples, orchards and history.

Scheduled activities at this year's festival include an apple pie bake-off, apple pie-eating contests, apple displays, u-pick apple opportunities, apple crafts, vintage farm tractor display, a farm animal petting zoo and carnival games.

Live music is scheduled for both days and there will be a dance held Saturday night in honor of the original Apple Days Dance that was held annually. There will also be a beer and wine garden, and a variety of food vendors at this year's event.

In earlier days, Julian celebrated the apple with one big event each year, Apple Day. It was held in October from 1949 to 1973, thanks to Fred Grand, town booster and Chamber of Commerce president in 1949.

Thousands would drive to Julian to participate in the event. In its final years, the crowds and traffic that Apple Day brought to Julian became too much. It was decided that the annual event would cease, and several events would be hosted throughout the year to welcome visitors to Julian.

In fact, the first Julian Apple Day took place in 1909. People from all over California came to view the colorful displays of Julian's famous apples; it was a big party, including an all-night dance and free banquet. Julian apples first gained notoriety with their award-winning appearance at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and they took first place again at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

Planned by the Julian Merchant's Association, Julian Apple Days is a much anticipated event. Parking is free, and admission for the event is $3 for adults and children 15 and under are free.

In addition to the festival, special events will continue to be held throughout Julian's Main Street the remaining weekends of October. Vendors are still welcome to join in the festivities, especially those who can showcase a variety of apple products. For more information, go to www.Julianappledays.com or call 760-765-4758.