The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival Celebrates Local Orchards

October is an exciting time in Berkeley County, West Virginia, because of the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival (MSAHF). While the festival’s peak is October 15-18, there are events leading up to the celebration and activities that continue after. MSAHF recognized the orchardists who are essential to local history and who have been cultivating apples in the area since 1774.

“We are in the heart of apple country,” says Mary Beth Blair, President of the MSAHF board. “Everybody is celebrating the harvest, and we invite the entire community to join these events. We are always looking for more businesses, community organizations, and individuals to get involved.

The MSAHF was established in 1979 by a local businessman who owned the local radio station. In the nearly 50 years since, it has grown to include activities ranging from a parade and 5k run to pancake breakfasts, vendor market, and this year, a literacy initiative. 

Handshakes at the Harvest is a New Professional Event

Each year brings opportunities at the MSAHF, and 2026 is no exception. This year, business owners and professionals can attend Handshakes at the Harvest, a professional networking event on Tuesday, October 13, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Rumsey Event Center in Shepherdstown.

Along with networking, Handshakes at the Harvest includes a business expo, a special tribute honoring orchardists and agricultural leaders, a keynote speaker from Washington, D.C., lunch, and a grand prize drawing. Event tickets are $50.

“I’m really looking forward to rallying the business community to get behind our orchardists at the festival,” says Blair.

Handshakes at the Harvest was developed by four collaborating organizations:

• Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce
• Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
• Berkeley County Development Authority
• Jefferson County Development Authority

Attendees are encouraged to wear festival colors — red and green! 

Community is More Important Than Ever for Orchardists 

The MSAHF is a celebration of bounty, with apple-eating and pie-baking competitions, the crowning of a new Queen Pomona (the goddess of the orchard), a rodeo, live performances, the makers market, and a grand feature parade! However, this year is a little more challenging because orchardists struggled with their crops.

“How can we plan a festival to celebrate the harvest, when most of the local orchardists suffered such a significant loss?” says Blair. “Many people who know the history of the region said this is the hardest year they have ever had.”

A late freeze in April destroyed many of the buds that would have become fruit. Local orchardists spent entire days in the fields, using fires and windblowers to try to keep the trees warm.

“They were using both modern and old techniques to save the blooms,” says Blair. Then, massive rainstorms in the early fall knocked down what little crops the orchardists had grown.

Before the year even started, the theme for this year’s MSAHF was designed to align with the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, with a message about America’s resilience. The planned message is more relevant than ever, with festival speakers sharing how orchardists will continue planting and planning for next year, doing their best to bounce back.

“Our goal is to celebrate not just the harvest but the people behind it – from our orchards to your family,” says Blair. “There is a multi-generational legacy in the area, and apples are essential to the Jefferson and Berkeley County communities.” 

MSAHF is Produced By an All-Volunteer Board 

The passion for the apple industry is seen throughout the festival and felt year-round as the MSAHF board plans its various events. MSAHF is entirely volunteer-run and governed by a 23-person board. The festival relies on sponsors across the region to fund various programs and activities that community members can enjoy.

“We all work together to bring different talents and gifts that will keep our apple heritage alive,” says Blair. “Our volunteers are amazing and go above and beyond to make this happen.”

Blair adds that MSAHF is excited that new businesses and sponsors want to get involved this year, growing the festival’s family of supporters. Events like Handshakes at the Harvest create opportunities for organizations of all sizes to get involved with MSAHF and the orchardist community at large.

This part of West Virginia has the largest producing apple industry in the state. Even though new industries are thriving in the region and more people are moving here, the apple and greater agricultural sectors remain strong. This year, many local farmers feel like they are only surviving. But the harvest is a reminder that next year they could be thriving again. 

Learn More About Berkeley County

The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival is a great introduction to Berkeley County and its high quality of life. Attendees can see the residents' passion for the community and discover ways to get involved with various organizations. Businesses can also learn about Berkeley County and its various industries. Along with a strong orchard sector, Berkeley County is welcoming innovators and leaders who see a future here.

Contact the BCDA to learn more about Berkeley County and why this region of West Virginia is growing.