Applefest's Forgotten Secrets
The infamously dangerous and deadly area once known as "Venango Path"...
Applefest Today
Applefest is a treasure of Venango County. The beautiful autumn colors paint a backdrop for the welcome cooler air. Irresistible scents of sweets, herbs, spices, oils and dough fill the air. Music plays from the bandstand and the crowds clap, whistle and cheer. Between color vendor tents and bustling park walkways, Franklin is energized by everyone’s laughter and smiles. Old friends stand aside the paths and catch each other up on their busy lives. Returning college students exchange stories. Families make classic memories with their children developing friendships together. Newcomers rush to try it all.
Established in 1980, it has grown into a beloved community event, and acts as an economic blast for small-businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, vendors, and entrepreneurs. As we take in the sights, sounds, and scents of Venango County during Applefest, walking the streets, admiring the autumn colors, and driving the same old roads- right under our feet lay several significant travel ways and forgotten chapters of early American history… that of friend and foe alike.
The Venango Path: A Challenge for Cultures From Around the Globe
A spry twenty one year old Major George Washington volunteered to deliver a message in 1753 to French Commanding Officer Jacques Le Gardeur, over their control of the Ohio River Valley, and their military expansion. This meeting, although polite, wasn’t particularly diplomatically convincing; as the French went on to build and fight from several bases- including Fort Presque Isle, Fort LeBoeuf, Fort Machault, and Fort Duquesne. These positions then stood as pillars of control over the Venango Path during the French and Indian War. He and his small party’s mission would turn especially treacherous during their return, as they were hammered by extreme winter weather.
Despite its challenges, many nations and peoples would inhabit and cross its earthen spirit with bravery. This multicultural epicenter of history, ingenuity and perseverance undoubtedly founded the identity of the peoples of Venango County and surrounding areas.
Applefest is a celebration of Venango County, and the Venango Path is an often forgotten pillar of its history. Whether you are a vendor, sponsor, local, or visitor- being part of everyone’s favorite weekend is an opportunity to share ground with ghosts of American history and the dreams of Franklin’s future.
George Washington Delivering a Message on the Venango Path: The Harrowing Journey that Neary Changed Our Presidential Roster
A spry twenty one year old Major George Washington volunteered to deliver a message in 1753 to French Commanding Officer Jacques Le Gardeur, over their control of the Ohio River Valley, and their military expansion. This meeting, although polite, wasn’t particularly diplomatically convincing; as the French went on to build and fight from several bases- including Fort Presque Isle, Fort LeBoeuf, Fort Machault, and Fort Duquesne. These positions then stood as pillars of control over the Venango Path during the French and Indian War. He and his small party’s mission would turn especially treacherous during their return, as they were hammered by extreme winter weather.
Despite its challenges, many nations and peoples would inhabit and cross its earthen spirit with bravery. This multicultural epicenter of history, ingenuity and perseverance undoubtedly founded the identity of the peoples of Venango County and surrounding areas.
Applefest is a celebration of Venango County, and the Venango Path is an often forgotten pillar of its history. Whether you are a vendor, sponsor, local, or visitor- being part of everyone’s favorite weekend is an opportunity to share ground with ghosts of American history and the dreams of Franklin’s future.
A Legend that Reflects the Resilience of the People of Applefest
Despite its challenges, many nations and peoples would inhabit and cross its earthen spirit with bravery. This multicultural epicenter of history, ingenuity and perseverance undoubtedly founded the identity of the peoples of Venango County and surrounding areas.
Applefest is a celebration of Venango County, and the Venango Path is an often forgotten pillar of its history. Whether you are a vendor, sponsor, local, or visitor- being part of everyone’s favorite weekend is an opportunity to share ground with ghosts of American history and the dreams of Franklin’s future.
