In Paradise, we know fall has officially arrived not by the changing of the weather or by the turning of the leaves. It’s marked by something far more delicious: the scent of apple pie.
This year marked the 134th celebration of Johnny Appleseed Days, widely considered the oldest harvest festival in California. It’s a community favorite event, full of family activities, local vendors, and newer events like a hoedown and a pumpkin patch. Johnny himself always makes an appearance, ready with a story and a photo for kids and adults alike.
The two-day festival, overseen by the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce, showed up true to form this year, with outstanding attendance and some new events sure to become staples for years to come.
- Number of attendees: 5,000
- Number of apple pie slices served, courtesy of Paradise Save Mart: 1008
- Number of artisan booths and businesses: 117
- At the heart of it all: Noble Orchards provided a farmstand to make fresh apples available for purchase from their Pentz Road Orchard. The Chamber’s traditional Pie Baking Kits were available for purchase, complete with “secret Paradise apple pie spice mix,” Noble Orchards’ famous Granny Smith apples and a limited-edition commemorative tea-towel
- New events: 3
- HoeDown: The Paradise Veterans Group hosted a hoedown at Paradise Veterans Memorial Hall. Live music, chili, and adult beverages.
- Paradise Pumpkin Patch: Community members brought their finest fruits, veggies, and flowers for display and contributed local flora to create an interactive “Cornucopia Mandala” that grew over the weekend. The Pumpkin Patch also featured a farmers’ market, seed swap, and, of course, a pumpkin patch!
- Johnny’s Pub: The Paradise Lutheran Church hosted Johnny’s Pub in its community hall, serving craft beer and wine. Proceeds supported “Fridays for Lunch” free weekly community meals.
Photos courtesy of Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce
Thanks to all who attended this year. Be sure to mark your calendars for next October!
