Home » Travel » Ohio » Zoar Celebrates "A Village in an Apple Orchard"

Zoar Celebrates "A Village in an Apple Orchard"

© Diane Stresing

Zoar Village was founded in 1817 by a group of about 200 German Separatists seeking escape from religious persecution in their homeland. Today, the village is home to approximately 75 families who live in homes built from 1817 to the present. Many original homes and other buildings have been preserved or restored; some operate as Ohio Historical Society museums.

Where better to enjoy an old-world beer party? The Zoar Apfelfest is set for October 6 and 7 this year. I recommend that you go, and go hungry.

Apfelfest celebrates the historic use of apples; it is conveniently held the same weekend as Oktoberfest, which celebrates the German affection for beer. Seasonal foods, including apples, pumpkins, applebutter, sandwiches, baked goods, and homemade soups, will also be available in the Oktoberfest tent. In addition to polka music and a variety of other local bands, folksingers will perform concerts on the 120-year-old Zoar Church organ.

Local civic organizations, antique dealers and folk artisans display and sell their wares in the one-square-block Zoar Garden. Don't forget to take your camera, as fall colors promise to be beautiful.

Apfelfest admission is free. Tickets also will be available to tour the buildings of this historic German communal settlement. To enjoy the polka music and microbrews of the Oktoberfest requires a $3 cover charge.

Zoar is also a popular site for Civil War Encampments and reenactments, largely because of the authenticity of its battlefield. More information for Civil War buffs is also available at the Zoar web site.

Getting there: Zoar Village sits along State Rt. 212, three miles southeast of Exit 93 off I-77, south on Canton. For more information about Zoar's events and its unique shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfast inns, call Zoar Village at 800-874-4336 or go to http://www.zca.org

Historic German beer party not wild enough for you? Check out these fall activities at Ohio's zoos
Columbus Zoo
Boo at the Zoo, October 26-28, 2001
At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's annual hauntingly happy Halloween celebration, kids visit candy stations, storytellers, and magicians, and ride a "haunted" train. More info, http://www.colszoo.org

Toledo Zoo "MaskZOOrade ..."
The seventh annual costume-optional, adult-only Halloween party features music, food, and plenty of "frightening" fun; October 20. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
... and Pumpkin Path
A safe, fun alternative to trick-or-treating for the little ones--follow a path of more than 20 candy stations, plus see magic shows, and listen to Condessa the Story Witch. More info on both events at http://www.toledozoo.org

The copyright of the article Zoar Celebrates "A Village in an Apple Orchard" in Ohio is owned by Diane Stresing. Permission to republish Zoar Celebrates "A Village in an Apple Orchard" in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.