Picture the perfect fall day: the air has a slight chill to it, enough so that you’re wearing your favorite flannel. In your hand is a warm apple cider and a cider donut with the distinct aroma of autumnal spices. The leaves have begun to change, and everything around you is dusted in red and yellow hues. Apple Harvest Day is the epitome of the classic New England fall experience.
Apple Harvest Day, Dover New Hampshire’s annual event, is one of Seacoast New Hampshire’s biggest fall festivals. This year it will take place on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9am to 4pm. This 42-year-old tradition brings together a community of people from all over to showcase the work of hundreds of vendors and artists.
However, an event of this size doesn’t come together overnight. Margaret Joyce, president of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, coordinates the event every year. What started as a small craft fair on Orchard Street has become a day when Dover closes Central Avenue to welcome over 60,000 people to enjoy the festivities. Starting in March, vendors must apply for a booth at the festival. Typically, there are 300 spots available, however this year it has been limited to 250 due to the city’s ongoing construction. Returning vendors get top priority and are usually given the same spot every year.
As vendor spots begin to fill up, Joyce must then meet with the police and fire chiefs, parking officials and Dover’s Community Service department who keep the streets and surrounding areas clean before, during and after the event. This is crucial to smoothing out the many logistics involved. Along with this, many different permits must be secured, the most important being the “block party” permit and parking permits.
Then comes the booking of all the other events, and volunteers to assist. Throughout the course of the day, there will be a road race, local music and dance performances, and an apple pie contest. Everyone must register for their respective events and coordinate with the Chamber.
Within the past few years, the festival has included a calm room for those in the neurodivergent community or people who need a break from the chaos. They offer a section away from the festival grounds to recharge in a quiet environment. The hope is to make the day more accessible for everyone and encourage as many people to join in on the fun as possible. “This is, at its heart, a community event,” Joyce remarked. She hopes that the addition of the calm room will allow more families with neurodivergent members, or those who need a quiet space, to come and enjoy themselves on a day created for the whole population.
The coordinators view community as the most important part of Apple Harvest Day. No matter what time attendees come or where they choose to stroll, the festival should create an unmistakable sense of camaraderie and connection.
“It’s so nice to see people come downtown and explore what we have,” said Roni Watkins, co-owner of My Country Story, one of Dover’s most well-known stores. This year marks My Country Story’s 11th year as a vendor at the festival. Watkin’s business originally started as a small candle booth at the event, and they now host a double booth filled with both their own products and products from various local artists and makers. She noted that Apple Harvest Day encourages not only the regulars to come out, but also those who don’t get to visit downtown as often. It allows people to be reintroduced to all the wonderful small businesses that are in Dover.
“It’s genuinely our favorite day of the year!” Watkins said.
Watkins also remarked that the annual festival is the perfect way to kick off the season, as everyone is ready to buy an apple scented candle and find the coziest handknit scarf to round out their fall wardrobe. Whether you’re an out-of-towner coming for the small-town charm or a New Englander who is a frequent in Dover, Apple Harvest Day is the best way to start New England’s favorite season.
“I love seeing all the stores and shops I go to around the seacoast,” said Caroline Sterndale (’28), an annual attendee. “I just love all the local vibes. When I think of New Hampshire fall, Apple Harvest Day always comes to mind.”
This year’s Apple Harvest Day is a one-day event and will take place rain or shine. It is family-friendly, free and open to the public. For more information, visit appleharvestday.com.
Visuals courtesy of Margaret Joyce and Roni Watkins
-Ada Gerard
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