(Waukesha, WI) – The Friends of Retzer Nature Center’s “Apple Harvest Festival” is returning for its 36th season this Saturday, September 23. Featuring its popular traditions, Apple Harvest Festival includes the apple market,more than a dozen varieties while supplies last,– arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden, and live music. For the entire family, there are self-guided activities across the entire Retzer Nature Center grounds.
When: Saturday, September 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Retzer Nature Center located at S14W28167 Madison Street in Waukesha.
“Apple Harvest Festival features all of the reasons that autumn is one of the best times of the year in Waukesha County,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “From our apple market, which features heirloom and special varieties of apples, to treats, activities, music, shopping, and an opportunity to get out in nature, there’s something for everybody,” Farrow said.
Food & Drink:
Delafield Brewhaus Beer Garden will offer ready-to-eat food including a vegetarian optionand assorted beverages and brews, including ‘Retzer Apple Ale.’ In the Apple Market, attendees will encounter a variety of apples from Brightonwoods Orchard and Patterson Orchards, as well as half-gallons and quarts of cider and three varieties of caramel apples for purchase. Last but not least: Sweet treats, apple pies and apple “hand pies,” whole apple crisps and mini apple crisps crafted by Waukesha County Technical College’s Baking & Pastry Management program.
Fun Activities:
Visitors can shop arts and crafts vendors, enter to win items at the Friends of Retzer Nature Center’s raffle, stop by Waukesha Reads for a book giveaway, and enjoy a variety of self-guided hikes and educational activities for all ages. Scarecrow Lane kicks off for the season with community-made scarecrows to view, while hikers can enjoy the book If You Find A Leaf by Aimée Sicuroalong the Story Hike trail. Children will love the fun craft activities with our Partners in the Pines, completing the Passport Expedition, and scrambling on the Wood Climbing Exploration Station along the Discovery Trail. Back indoors, grab tickets for “Totality” in the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium (show every 30 minutes).
Know Before You Go:
$10 per car – cash only. Pay from your vehicle upon entry to RNC grounds. Card payments are accepted at The Apple Market, Planetarium, Delafield Brewhaus, and more. ATM onsite. Service animals only; no pets. View event brochure online at wauk.co/AHF (day of event only).
Friends of Retzer Nature Center members receive free admission with membership card; to become a Friends member, visit www.FriendsOfRetzer.org.
For more info on the festival, building a scarecrow, or volunteering at the event, call Retzer Nature Center at 262-896-8007 and visit www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/AppleHarvestFestival.
About Waukesha County Parks
The Waukesha County Park System is a natural resource-based park system that demonstrates stewardship while providing recreational and educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.WaukeshaCountyParks.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
