Each year the people of Fort Wayne invite visitors from throughout the nation to celebrate the pioneer spirit of John Chapman, better known as "Johnny Appleseed," Chapman was a colorful character of the Indiana frontier in the early 1800's.

During the latter part of his life, Chapman traveled the countryside on foot, planting orchards in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas. In the process, he became a national folk hero and his gravesite in Fort Wayne's Archer Park has been designated a national historic landmark.  The Johnny Appleseed Festival is held here each year.

The Johnny Appleseed Festival is part history lesson, part entertainment, and part smorgasbord.  Food vendors at the Johnny Appleseed Festival are required to prepare their offerings using the methods employed during the mid-1800’s, the period during which John Chapman lived.  Cooking is done over wood or coal fires – electricity and propane are not permitted – and the foods that they prepare must be appropriate to the time period as well.  So, you won’t see elephant ears, fried Twinkies, or frozen ices in bright plastic cups.  The food at the Johnny Appleseed Festival hearkens back to the days of the pioneers. Chicken, cooked over an open fire grill.  Ham and beans with freshly made cornbread.  Grilled turkey legs and buffalo burgers. 

Because it’s an open-air festival, you can watch as vendors make fresh caramel corn in giant cast iron kettles, or observe how old-fashioned chicken and dumplings are prepared and served. And of course, there are numerous selections featuring their signature food – the apple! Apple dumplings, caramel apples, fried apples rolled in cinnamon sugar, apple pie, and plenty of cider – the choice is yours.

Some people come from hours away to participate in the festival.  Others come to sample the array of food, crafts and antiques.  There’s also a wide selection of old fashioned food vendors.  A blacksmith works his wonderous magic on various pieces of metal, turning them into many things like coat hooks or outdoor planter holders.  There’s also a farmer’s market, spinning wheel demonstrations and roving bands.

Archer Park is adjacent the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.  There is no charge to attend the event but there’s a small parking fee if you park at the Coliseum.  This year’s festival will be held Saturday, September 15th from 10 am to 6 pm, and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, September 16th.  Visit http://www.johnnyappleseedfest.com/ for more information.