Apple Festival | Medford Historical Society

Annual Apple Festival at Kirby's Mill

Second Saturday in October
October 14th 2017
275 Church Rd Medford NJ
9 am - 4 pm (Rain or Shine)

Apples are returning again in October to Kirby’s Mill! Over 100 Craft Booths, Food, Demonstrations, Music, Children's Activities. Apple Products, Apple Cider, Ciider Donuts and much more.

FREE Admission

All proceeds from the Apple Festival, including profits from product sales and vendor fees, benefit the historical society and its ongoing restoration of the Kirby’s Mill complex.

Recent AppleFest Recap

MEDFORD — The line for the apple cider doughnuts was more than 50 people deep Saturday morning at the 37th annual Apple Festival at historic Kirby's Mill. "Everyone comes here for the apple cider doughnuts," said Phillip Ungerer, of Lumberton. "Don't let anyone try to tell you it's anything else." He strolled along the festival grounds between tents of food and craft vendors with his dog, Guinness. "I love going to fairs to see what everyone has to offer," Ungerer said. He said he also enjoyed the picture perfect weather, the friendly atmosphere and the representation by small business owners. Holly Doyle, vice president of event sponsor, Medford Historical Society, said the event raises much needed funds to maintain Kirby's Mill, a historical landmark in the township. Kirby’s Mill was the last operating commercial mill in New Jersey and is the last standing mill on the Rancocas Creek, according to the historical society. It dates back to the late 1770s.
She said the turnout was great and that they hoped to raise $10,000 from the event. The nonprofit stays afloat because of the festival, along with membership dues and donations. Seeing people come out and enjoy themselves was the most rewarding aspect for her. "We're all about preserving the history of Medford and bringing it to the people so they can enjoy it," Doyle said. Most of the society's proceeds go to maintaining the restored, old grist mill. There was a wide variety of apple products available, including apple ice cream from Leo's Yum Yum in Medford. Steven Bargfrede, of Medford, has been bringing his family to the festival for years. He said he and his family wanted to eat doughnuts, drink cider and shop the arts and crafts. Bargfrede said the event brings out the community to enjoy crisp fall weather. He said his kids remember as far back as seven years ago when they first came to the festival. "Maybe down the line they'll pass it on to their kids," Bargfrede said. "It's something that people look forward to every year." Julie Waszkiewicz, a volunteer with the society, manned a tent where she sold apple cider, apple butter, apples, soft pretzels and coffee. She's been doing it for at least 10 years. Waszkiewicz said she hoped festival goers had a good time and learned a little bit about the history of Kirby's Mill. Pauletta Berger's tent was for her business, Handwovens by Pauletta, from Vineland. Now in her third year with the festival, she manned a loom while making a scarf. "I love the atmosphere, I love the different crafts that are here, I love the smell of the food," Berger said. She said demonstrating her craft was most gratifying. "And having the people that come and express such an interest in it," Berger said. "They want to learn they want to show their children what it's all about." She said this year's business was much better than last year's, when it rained. "The coolness, the breeze," Berger said. "It's wonderful." She said she also enjoys showing people what can be done manually. "We're so involved with technology that we kind of forget that there's a whole different genre of experiences out there," Berger said.