Mount Vernon celebrates fall and community at 5th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival

The warm autumn sun beamed down on East Ohio Avenue Friday evening, October 3, as downtown Mount Vernon came alive for the 5th Annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival. Presented by Experience Mount Vernon and sponsored by Peoples Bank, the beloved seasonal celebration welcomed families, friends, and neighbors for an evening packed with music, food, activities, and community spirit.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the evening came from the third-grade students of Wiggin Street and Pleasant Street Elementary Schools, who performed a lineup of apple-themed songs under the direction of choir teacher Suzie Springer. The crowd smiled and clapped along as the student’s performed favorites like “Apple on a Stick,” swaying and whistling in unison.

Springer, who has taught in Mount Vernon for five years and is in her 15th year of teaching overall, leads music instruction for 515 students across the two schools. “I like connecting with kids and connecting kids to the community through music,” she said, proud of how her students helped kick off the festival in song.

Festivalgoers found no shortage of fall flavors and treats to enjoy. Apple cider slushies, Miller’s Farm Market caramel apples, and the Knox Foodies Food Truck Trail — sponsored by Glen Hill Orchards — kept guests well-fed. Local organizations like Peoples Bank, Knox Public Health, and WNZR Lifeline’s “Big Blue” added to the festivities with booths, giveaways, and interactive displays.

One of the most engaging elements of the festival was the animated storytelling session by Jim Stoner, who portrayed the legendary Johnny Appleseed. Stoner captivated audience members of all ages as he shared stories about the life and legacy of John Chapman — the real man behind the Johnny Appleseed legend. With energy and enthusiasm, he described how Johnny traveled across Ohio planting apple orchards and promoting peaceful living, often sleeping outdoors and sharing what little he had with others. His storytelling blended history and folklore in a way that kept both kids and adults listening intently.

Adding fun and color to the event was Sharon Holmes, known around town as Grandma Tessy the clown. At 85 years old, she roamed the festival with her horn-equipped walker, honking and laughing with children. A graduate of clown school and a Mount Vernon resident since 1986, Holmes said, “People know me as Grandma Tessy, and I love bringing smiles.”

Animal lovers of all ages gathered around the Horse-N-Round Fun Petting Zoo, sponsored by The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel & Great Point Kitchen & Events. Children excitedly petted goats, llamas, baby calves, and sheep, many experiencing farm animals up close for the first time.

The evening was packed with activities for the whole family. Kids enjoyed a variety of games and crafts in the Gantt Homes KidZone, hosted by local Scouts. Nearby, families posed for seasonal snapshots at the Fall Photo Booth, sponsored by ViaQuest. Volunteers and staff from Peoples Bank of Gambier offered cheerful face painting, adding festive flair to children's faces throughout the night. The pumpkin painting fundraiser, hosted by United Way, invited kids to get creative while supporting a good cause. An interactive Hungarian dance tutorial, led by the Kenyon College Dance Department, engaged attendees, while the energetic tunes of The Ohio Celtic Fiddlers added a lively soundtrack to the evening.

As families strolled along East Ohio Avenue, kids with painted faces and apple-sticky hands laughed and played while adults chatted and soaked in the festive atmosphere. The 5th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival was more than just a celebration of autumn — it was a celebration of community, tradition, and joy in the heart of Mount Vernon.