NAPPANEE – WeFlip Entertainment will be the headlining act at the Nappanee Apple Festival, performing in the Nappanee Library Parking lot from Friday at 5:30 p.m. to Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Thursday's festival kickoff at 5:30 p.m. sets the stage for an exciting evening of entertainment, featuring Blue River Jazz at The Kountry Cabinets Entertainment Tent and Bremen Family Martial Arts at The UFP Nappanee Stage, both performing at 5:30 p.m.
Kids and parents alike will delight in Granpa Cratchet's hilarious puppet shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., a beloved festival tradition continuing through Sunday.
Meanwhile, at 7 p.m., head to The Kountry Cabinets Entertainment Tent at Depot Plaza to support the talented young women competing for Miss Apple Blossom scholarships and witness the crowning of the Festival Queen, according to a provided news release.
Friday, festival-goers are in for a treat with high-energy comedy shows by Mike Hemmelgarn, a talented juggler and ventriloquist, performing throughout the weekend.
The day's music lineup is equally impressive, featuring Sunshine Production Factory, John Gaut, Adrienne Frailey and Exit 41, culminating in a finale with a two-hour performance by Jim Kaylor's Front Porch Singing and Dan Heath and the Iconics, closing out Friday night.
Friday through Sunday, Silly Safaris, Indiana's leading provider of live animal conservation education, brings its engaging and interactive show to the festival, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment that captivates audiences of all ages. With over 3,000 shows annually across the U.S., Silly Safaris showcases a diverse range of reptiles, mammals, birds and bugs.
Saturday's musical lineup features Carlie's Angels, Broken Lifters, Dan Heath and the Iconics, Touch of Texas and Gene Mullet, all joining forces with The Bulldogs to deliver a day of entertainment.
Rounding out the festival's entertainment schedule on Sunday are performances by the Gray Horse Band, John Gaut, Memphis Underground, the lively Heartland County Cloggers, and the talented NorthWood High School Dawning Generation.
Throughout the weekend, downtown sidewalks will be lined with crates of fresh apples, accompanied by an array of delicious apple treats, including pie, dumplings, fritters, turnovers, bread, cider and butter, offering endless opportunities for indulgence. But that's not all - the festival will also feature exciting contests, tournaments, and attractions, such as the Farm Tractor & Antique Farm Equipment show at Nappanee Power from the Past Showgrounds from Thursday to Saturday, a Saturday morning parade, and an afternoon Wings, Wheels and Car Show at the Municipal airport.
The 48th annual Nappanee Apple Festival is made possible through the financial support of local and area businesses, city of Nappanee employees, the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce, and a team of volunteers. Principal sponsors, including the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Elkhart County CVB, The Goshen News, Kountry Cabinets & Home Furnishings, Miller's Orchard, Community Fiber, Monteith's Best-One Tire & Auto Care and UFP Nappanee have also contributed to the festival's success, stated the release.
For a comprehensive guide to the festival, including a full list of entertainment, events and a map, visit nappaneeapplefestival.org or check out the 2024 Nappanee Apple Festival Brochure.