VANCOUVER — The annual Old Apple Tree Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 4, at Old Apple Tree Park, 112 S.E. Columbia Way, in the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The free community event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features live music, hands-on activities, walking tours, cider pressing and more.
Planted in 1826 at Fort Vancouver, the Old Apple Tree is believed to be the oldest apple tree in the Pacific Northwest and is considered the matriarch of Washington’s apple industry. Although the tree’s trunk failed in June 2020, a new tree sprouted from the original root system thrives today. A limited number of cuttings will be available to visitors during the event.
Festival attendees are encouraged to bring apples and a clean container for the community apple press. Apples and containers will also be available for purchase. Local food vendors will offer items for sale throughout the day.
Live music will be performed by River Twain, The Ottomatics and JT Wise Duo. Partner organizations will be on site to share information about tree conservation, protecting natural spaces, and the connection between food systems and community well-being.
Established in 1984, the Old Apple Tree Festival celebrates Vancouver’s first Heritage Tree and highlights the enduring importance of trees in connecting generations. The event underscores the city’s commitment to preserving our canopy and promoting environmental stewardship.
Trees play a vital role in enhancing community livability by beautifying neighborhoods and parks, cleaning the air and water, and offering a wide range of environmental, economic and social benefits. Through the city’s Heritage Tree Program, residents are invited to nominate significant trees within Vancouver for recognition and protection.
Information provided by the city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- Vancouver Fire responds to difficult-to-access timber fire along Columbia River
16 firefighters — including marine units — battled a lumber pile fire on a remote Columbia River peninsula. - Opinion: Don’t blame AI – Why electricity rates are rising in Washington
State climate mandates, not AI or data centers, are the primary force pushing Washington utility bills higher. - Opinion: The Declaration of Independence – Its debt to history and meaning
Rob Natelson traces the Declaration’s roots to English petitions, the 1689 Bill of Rights, and natural law philosophy. - Opinion: More employers mean more opportunities for workers
A Washington Policy Center analyst argues that fewer employers directly means fewer choices and less power for workers. - Postal Service skips hearing with WA lawmakers on mail-in ballot rules
USPS canceled a scheduled hearing with WA lawmakers on a rule that would require states to share mail-in voter lists. - Vancouver leaders want C-TRAN to look into fixed rail infrastructure throughout the city
Councilor Erik Paulsen says existing Vine stops already have the floor height to support tram conversion. - Sale of fireworks begins June 28
Fireworks are banned inside Vancouver city limits but allowed in unincorporated Clark County only on July 4.
