Newark Valley Apple Festival and the Old Hickory Long Guns

Step back in time. It’s 1799. The War for Independence is over, and it’s time to establish a working homestead on the Owego creek. Visit the Old Hickory Long Guns encampment along this beautiful setting and taste a donut freshly baked on a campfire during the Apple Festival in Newark Valley, planned for Oct. 1 and 2, and running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Bement-Billings Farmstead.

See authentic 1790’s costumes as men and women demonstrate the everyday activities conducted on this very site. Watch the blacksmith fashion period household items from the steel on his hearth. See the authentic firearms that won the Revolutionary War for the Patriots, and thrill to the operation and firing of the same muzzle loading rifles and smoothbore used by the Patriots.

Hear the roar, see and smell the clouds of smoke as you fire a muzzleloader in their back creek area (children 11 and older with parental supervision).

Bargain with their traders and purchase period clothing, household items, tools, and just what you need for a 1799 home. Talk with the trappers and purchase hides, traps, and necessities for that next backcountry expedition.

Learn about the making of primitive bows, arrows, flint, fire starting, survival, and much more throughout the weekend.

There will also be a free concert and chicken barbecue on Friday, Sept. 30. For more details and a complete listing of activities and events, visit nvhistory.org or call (607) 642-9516.