SEPTEMBER 16th-20th

Jackson
Apple Festival

Ferris Wheels and Apple Thrills

HISTORY

It is known and revered throughout Ohio and beyond, the perfect fall festival, the quintessential homecoming event.

It is the Jackson Apple Festival

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A Tradition Since 1937

The Jackson Apple Festival has been a beloved tradition for over 74 years, welcoming visitors from near and far to celebrate Jackson County’s rich apple-growing heritage. What started in 1937 as a way to promote local apple production and bring the community together has grown into one of Ohio’s most respected festivals.

Through the decades, the festival has evolved—introducing exciting events, parades, and entertainment—while still holding true to its roots. Highlights include the largest lighted parade in Ohio, special performances like the Ohio State University Marching Band in 2001, and generations of families returning each year to celebrate.

In 2013, the festival became part of the Jackson Area Festivals & Events (JAFE), ensuring its legacy continues for future generations. Each September, the streets of downtown Jackson come alive with food, entertainment, and tradition, making the Apple Festival a can’t-miss annual event.

📅 Join us the third week of September and be part of the tradition!

EXPERIENCE

ABOUT JAFE

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The Jackson Area Festivals & Events (JAFE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting our community’s rich heritage through engaging events like the Jackson Apple Festival. Our mission is to foster community spirit, honor local traditions, and create enjoyable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

JAFE Leadership

JAFE is led by a dedicated group of volunteers who work year-round to plan and organize events that bring the community together.

Apple Festival Board

Front Row (Left to Right): Jason Crabtree, George Davis, Justin Euton – 1st Vice President, Chris O' Boyle – President, Dave Sheward – JAFE President, Bryan Davis, Ed Chinn.
Back Row (Left to Right): Ryan Shoemaker, Tyler Midkiff, Joe Wyant, Nathan Frisby, Willie Porter, Rob Leonard, Josh Cardiff, Scott Wiggins, Brandon Davis – 2nd Vice President, Jeremy Dennison, Jimmy Byrd, Brad Burnside, Mitch Costilow, Andrew Carter, Jace Perdue.
Not Pictured: Ron Carter, Jimmy Jones, and Hunter Cardiff.

Red Coat Club
Honoring Our Legacy

Alan Stockmeister, Bryon Davis, Bill Cole, Curt Wiggins, Ed Chinn, Joe Wyant,

John Jones, Mike Costilow, Mitch Costilow, Tom Perry

The Jackson Apple Festival proudly introduces the Red Coat Club, created to honor and recognize those individuals who have dedicated 35 or more years of service to the Jackson Apple Festival and the Jackson Area Festival & Events organization (JAFE). These outstanding individuals have been the backbone of our festival—giving their time, talents, and hearts to help the Apple Festival grow into one of the most celebrated events in Ohio.

Their commitment, work ethic, and passion for community service have left a lasting legacy. From building and tearing down festival structures, managing logistics, supervising street cleaning, volunteering at countless events, and mentoring new members—each Red Coat Club inductee has played a vital role in shaping the success and tradition we enjoy today.

These individuals will be formally recognized and presented with a signature red coat during the Opening Ceremony on the Main Stage at the 2025 Jackson Apple Festival. Each recipient will select someone special—a fellow member, friend, or family member—to present their coat as a symbol of appreciation and honor.

On behalf of JAFE and the entire Apple Festival community, we thank the inaugural members of the Red Coat Club for their decades of service. Your legacy lives on through every float, every funnel cake, and every child smiling in the streets of Jackson.

– Christopher O’Boyle
President, Jackson Apple Festival