When: September 16-17, 2023 (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Historic Downtown Lisbon -> 130 S Market St, Lisbon, OH 44432
Hours: Saturday from noon – 11pm and Sunday from noon – 8pm (The festival proper will run during these hours but certain events will be open earlier in the morning including breakfast and worship services.)
Admission: Free
Contact: Johnny Appleseed Festival Lisbon Ohio on Facebook or via email at lisbonareachamberofcommerce@gmail.com or by phone at 330.424.1803
PLEASE NOTE: This article was written before all of the 2023 festival details had been finalized, be sure to check the Johnny Appleseed Festival Schedule and Facebook Page for additional information and updates.
Photos used in this blog post are courtesy of Tina Cutright.
For more than fifty years, the Johnny Appleseed Festival has been one of Columbiana County’s favorite fall traditions. This annual event takes place in Lisbon on the third weekend in September and is a celebration of the community’s connection to Johnny Appleseed. The festival features live music, a parade, handmade goods, plenty of apple dumplings, and a whole lot more!
Why Johnny Appleseed?
Most people think of Johnny Appleseed as a legendary folk hero similar to Paul Bunyan, but Johnny Appleseed was a real person named John Chapman who helped pioneers settle Ohio.
Contrary to his fictional persona, John Chapman didn’t just plant apple trees randomly wherever he went. While he was known to travel by himself and walk barefoot, In reality, Chapman was an entrepreneur who would sell apple seedlings to settlers. Apples were an essential commodity to pioneers of the late 1700s.
Chapman thoughtfully planted apple tree nurseries in various locations around Pennsylvania and Ohio, including a nursery in Lisbon, Ohio (known at the time as “New Lisbon”). Chapman’s persona of Johnny Appleseed probably wouldn’t have become such a cultural phenomenon if it wasn’t for his kind personality. Chapman made a positive impression on everyone he met with his extreme generosity. If a pioneer family couldn’t afford his trees, he would either trade for something they could afford or simply give the trees away. Historian J.H. Newton said, “He helped others more than himself.” It’s this spirit of generosity and ingenuity that makes celebrating Johnny Appleseed a time-honored tradition.
Johnny Appleseed Festival Can’t Miss Attractions
The Festival is full of activities for the whole family. You can check out a full schedule of events on their Facebook or website, but here are some tried and true classics you don’t want to miss!
Please note this year’s festival dates are September 16-17, 2023.
The Most Important Meal of the Festival
Saturday features two great breakfast options. You can support the Fire Department with their All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast which takes place at the Fire Hall on South Jefferson Street from 7-11am. Or, meet the Johnny Appleseed Festival Royal Court at the Queen’s Breakfast at David Anderson High School at 8 am. There are no specific breakfast events scheduled for Sunday, but there is a church service scheduled at the main stage in the morning with the Lisbon Assembly of God.
The Johnny Appleseed Royal Court
One of the more unique aspects of the festival is the crowning of the Royal Court, a group of young women who will go on to represent and promote the Johnny Appleseed Festival community at various regional events throughout the year.
The Royal Court consists of a Queen, 1st attendant, and 2nd attendant. Women residing in Columbiana County between the ages of 16-20 are eligible to apply. Winners represent the festival for a one-year term and receive a $500 to $1,000 scholarship. Anyone interested in applying can do so until September 9th using this form.
This year’s Royal Court will be crowned after the Grand Parade on Saturday.
The Man Himself
That’s right, Johnny Appleseed himself attends the Lisbon festival, complete with a wardrobe right out of a children’s book. He’ll be found delighting guests throughout the weekend and will be available for photo opportunities.
You can also visit Mr. Appleseed’s festival home at “Johnny’s Camp” which has a handmade cabin evocative of early 1800s settler life. The cabin consists of a bed, a bible and a stove. This year, the public is welcome to view the assembly of the cabin before the festival starts. On Thursday, September 14 at 4pm, Johnny Appleseed and a group of friends will put together the cabin piece by piece just like a real 19th century pioneer.
Jerry Tyson has portrayed Johnny Appleseed since 2020 and is the fifth individual to hold the honor.
Live Music and Entertainment
Live music and entertainment will be taking place across two stages on East Washington St. and North Market St. throughout the festival. In the past, a variety of performers have entertained guests including brass quintets, dance troops, country music artists, and even a Michael Jackson tribute dancer! A full schedule of entertainers will be posted on the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.
Last year, the Main Stage received a $7,000 update which included vibrant new paint and signage as well as a new floor.
The Grand Parade
The Grand Parade will officially commemorate the start of the 55th Johnny Appleseed Festival on Saturday the 16th. Complete with floats, marching bands, and a Grand Marshall, the parade will truly get you in the festival spirit!
This year, local artist Fred Gromely will be honored as the parade’s Grand Marshall. Gromley’s connection to Johnny Appleseed Festival goes back 16 years when he carved and donated a life-sized chainsaw-carved Johnny Appleseed to the festival. That carving has been present at each festival since, and spends the rest of the year at the Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce office.
After the parade, be sure to find the Royal Court Float as it is a popular photo opportunity. The float’s giant apple throne makes for memorable pictures!
The Apple Pie Contest
What’s more fitting for an apple-themed festival than an apple pie baking contest! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place all receive cash prizes. The contest typically features a celebrity guest judge. Will someone’s time-tested family recipe win the grand prize this year, or a popular TikTok recipe? You’ll have to attend to find out!
JAF Has Talent
Also known as “Appleseed’s Got Talent,” this talent show is fun for participants and spectators alike. Performers will compete for cash prizes in front of a panel of judges. Besides cash, the competition’s winner will earn a mainstage performance slot at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in 2024. JAF Has Talent is open to competitors of all ages. If you’re interested in competing, sign up today!
Lisbon Historical Society Museums
The Lisbon Historical Society Museums located off of E. Washington St. that feature the Old Stone House and the Erie Railroad Station will be open for tours throughout the duration of the festival. The Lisbon Historical Society has one of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts in the area and they boast a fascinating collection of local business and industry items. For more information about the Lisbon Historical Society and other historical attractions in our county check out our recent article.
Art Shows
If you’re interested in fine arts or creative endeavors be sure to stop by the quilt show or photography show, which feature works by talented local creators and artists!
Pet Parade
Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person, the pet parade is a great activity. For years, this event which shows off our furry friends has been a highlight of the Johnny Appleseed Festival. The event features too-cute costumes, a wide variety of animals, and even prizes. The prizes are awarded for the “ Dressed” “Most Unique,” and “Cutest Pet”, and last year featured a pet peanut butter eating contest!
Kids Activities
Though the specific list changes from year to year, there are always plenty of kid-specific activities at the Johnny Appleseed Festival. Last year’s festival included inflatable axe throwing, train rides, kids apple crafts, a petting zoo, and a rock hunt complete with prizes!
The last several years of the festival have also featured a pedal tractor contest. Test your lower body strength with this fun nod to our area’s agricultural heritage.
The Johnny Appleseed Festival also typically features an assortment of carnival rides such as a ferris wheel, merry go round, and slides.
Mark your calendars and get ready to experience this must-see event in Columbiana County!