Reid’s Apple Festival Moving to a New Venue in 2023

Bring on the fall, bring on the fall, bring on the fall. I love the fall, or hadn't you noticed? I love just about everything that's related to the fall. And when it's hot and humid in late August--like these last few days--I crave it even more strongly.

If my hoodies and sweaters could speak, they'd say, "Now? Is it now? Can we come out?" every time I walked into the guest room. (There's a Pixar short in there somewhere.)

REID'S ORCHARD'S APPLE FESTIVAL -- A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED TRADITION

And while I've not always been able to wear heavier long-sleeve clothing at the Reid's Orchard Apple Festival--it HAS been too warm for it a time or two--there have been plenty of instances where that wildly popular Daviess County gathering demanded not only long sleeves, but a coat, too.

And I am here for ALL of it.

Caramel apple sundaes? Yes, please. Gourds and pumpkins wherever you look? All day long, if you don't mind.

But now, the Apple Festival has seemed to grow too big for its breeches, so to speak. And that's a good thing. When you have to expand out of necessity, you are doing it right.

And owners Billy and Kathy Reid have ABSOLUTELY been doing it right for--shockingly--the last 36 years. I cannot believe the first one was in 1986, but in 2023, for the first time since that inaugural celebration of autumn, Reid's Apple Festival will NOT happen at Reid's Orchard.

THE REID'S ORCHARD APPLE FESTIVAL IS MOVING

That's right, it will be moving to the Daviess County Lions Club Fairgrounds in Philpot next year. It's a much bigger venue, and it will be managed by the Lions Club.

I spoke with Kathy Reid to get a better understanding of the necessity for the move, and it makes perfect sense. The Apple Festival has become an ENORMOUS event and needs more room. She told me that, for one, the new greenhouse eliminated vendor space. And that's really a good example of the crux of the decision.

EXCITING PLANS FOR REID'S ORCHARD

Reid's Orchard, itself, would like to expand and the work required would mean cutting into MORE space needed for the festival, i.e. booth space. If you've never visited Reid's Orchard, take a look:

Kathy said she and Billy are excited about the move, as the Lions Club is in the BUSINESS of big events--managing big crowds and dealing with parking were two examples she cited. And she's right. Talk about two HIGHLY important factors to consider.

Plus, community groups chipping in will ease the workload.

As we all know, fall is THE busiest time of the year at Reid's Orchard. With next year's move, not only can Billy and Kathy focusing on growing what is already one of the top places to visit in Daviess County, but they'll be in a better position to enjoy the Apple Festival in a way they haven't before.

It's a win (for them)-win (for the Lions Club)-win (for all us festival fans) all the way around.