While the final Saturday of the National Apple Harvest Festival enjoyed favorable weather, rain fell yesterday, the festival’s final day, Sunday. Despite the pouring rain, festivalgoers came prepared with boots, ponchos, and umbrellas, determined to enjoy the festivities.

The mouthwatering aromas of festival foods filled the air as visitors gathered in the auditorium to celebrate Adams County’s apple-growing heritage and witness the coronation of the Pennsylvania Apple Queen. The 75th Pennsylvania Apple Queen program welcomed 24 former queens and featured six contestants competing for the title:

Ella Pressley, Gettysburg Area High School
Gabriella Scavitto, Gettysburg Area High School
Sophia Dori, New Oxford High School
Ashley Peralta-Cernas, Gettysburg Area High School
Emily Schmidt, Gettysburg Area High School
Natalie Kashi, Biglerville High School

Ashley Peralta-Cernas was crowned the 2026 Pennsylvania Apple Queen, while Gabriella Scavitto was named Pennsylvania Apple Princess.

Despite the rainy weather, the day’s schedule featured plenty of entertainment and activities. Musical performances throughout the day included Austin Rife, The Willys, and the Colt Wilbur Band. Visitors also enjoyed orchard bus tours, a tour highlighting Mary Jemison, a survivor of the French and Indian War, and a magic show by Erick Hershey’s Country Conjuring.

Although attendance was lower because of the rain, one festival favorite proved as popular as ever: candied apples sold out. Pony rides, however, were canceled due to the weather.

Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s National Apple Harvest Festival, scheduled for October 2–3 and October 9–10, 2027.