DUMMERSTON — Every year, the Scott Farm welcomes visitors of all ages, from near and far for a one-day celebration of apples of all shapes, colors, and tastes, along with their histories.
On Sunday, Oct. 10, the farm will host its 18th annual Heirloom Apple Day, starting at 10 a.m. This year's event will be fully outdoors and feature two well-beloved apple lovers and social media stars who will be presenting at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.:
• Sean Turley is a lifelong fruit enthusiast and an amateur apple picker and sleuth. Every fall, Turley has dedicated himself to locating and devouring as many of Maine's heritage and wild apple varietals as possible. He posts his finds on Instagram @therighteousrusset.
• William Mullan is a New York–based photographer and author of Odd Apples, a collection of apple portraits featuring the uniqueness and beauty of heirloom varieties. Mullan publishes his work extensively on Instagram @pomme_queen.
Guests will learn about the history of the orchard and some of its 130 varieties of ecologically grown fruits. There will be apple tastings and talks as well as activities for families.
The pick-your-own orchard and farm market will also be open.
Food vendors will be cooking lunch, which guests can enjoy at picnic tables overlooking the farm's mill ponds, barns, and stone walls.
New kids' activities this year include apple paint prints, cornhole, Jenga, and more.
The event will take place rain or shine, and admission and activities are free. No dogs will be allowed.
Fall workshops in October
In keeping with the farm's mission to share living history, preserve and perpetuate heirloom apples and small fruits, and educate people about their cultivation and uses, Scott Farm also holds fall workshops on Saturdays in October from 10 a.m. to noon.
Jessica Paige will host an apple pie–making class on Oct. 16 and a class on gluten-free baking on Oct. 23.
The Scott Farm market is open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Nov. 24. Apples are available to pick through October.
Established in 1791, when George Washington was serving his first term as president, Scott Farm consists of 571 acres and 23 buildings, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1995, Landmark Trust USA took over the farm. The Trust has since restored many of the buildings, and converted the orchard from conventionally grown McIntosh to more than 100 ecologically grown heirloom and uncommon apple varieties.
The farm also grows peaches, plums, nectarines, pears, grapes, cherries, quince, medlars, and gooseberries.
For more information, visit scottfarmvermont.com.