Spring is a wonderful time in Sebastopol, home of North Coast Organic, because the apple orchards all around town blossom in unison. The warmer days of April encourage the flower buds of our local apple trees to swell, flush with pink, before their pure white flowers burst open. The sweet fragrance of new apple blossoms permeates the air, which is equally enticing.

To celebrate this rite of spring, Sebastopol holds an old-fashioned Apple Blossom Parade and Festival, which draws visitors from throughout the country and even many parts of the world. Festival goers come for a two-day peek into the special joys of living in our beautiful rural community. Along with small town charm, they are treated to the sophistication of world-class musicians, fine wine and savory foods.

The weekend begins with the Apple Blossom Parade, which is as old-fashioned as you can get, featuring flower-adorned floats, high-stepping horses, antique autos, old farm equipment and local school bands. Starting at 10:00 am, it winds its way down Main Street. People line up on both sides of the street, many in lawn chairs, to cheer the participants on and reach out for tossed candy and other goodies. Some parade viewers go as far as to place their chairs in the best parade route locations the night before.

After the parade, people head over to Ives Park for the two day Apple Blossom Festival. The festival is a family-friendly event, where kids love playing with live farm animals, riding carnival rides and taking part in old-time games. Parents and other adults enjoy sampling a diverse selection of fine wines and local foods, while they browse a market filled with unique handcrafted art items. Two stages offer live music; including some of the best blues talent found anywhere.

A little festival history

The Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival has been a tradition in Sebastopol for seventy-one years running. Throughout the festival, the apple’s contribution to Sonoma County’s history and culture is happily celebrated by locals and visitors alike. In fact, many Sebastopol families with members living outside the area hold their annual reunion during festival time.

Known primarily for the Gravenstein apple, Sebastopol is home to other varieties of apples as well. Although many of our local orchards have been replanted as vineyards, apples still play a major role in the local economy.

If you are coming

North Coast Organic will host a booth at the Apple Blossom Festival, where we will be handing out samples of our delicious organic apple juices, sauces, and apple cider vinegar. We will also be selling our products so that you won’t go home empty handed.

Here are the details:

THE 71ST ANNUAL APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

2017: An Apple Blossom Odyssey

Saturday April 22, 2017
Festival & Parade

Sunday April 23, 2017:
Festival and Blues Music Explosion

For more information, please see the 2017 Apple Blossom Festival website. We hope to see you there!

North Coast Organic apple products are made in Sebastopol, CA from U.S. grown certified organic apples. They contain no added sugars, preservatives, colorings or flavorings.