Bagged Apple Sales, Photo by Haley Yip
Garden Director, Dee Ann Benard, extends a warm welcome to all as we celebrate the 34th Apple Festival.
Welcome to UBC Botanical Garden’s annual Apple Festival, a volunteer-led celebration of place, harvest and community. For 34 years, Apple Festival has invited us to savour the bounty of British Columbia’s rich agricultural landscapes and to remember that we are deeply connected to the land and to one another.
This beloved event would not be possible without the extraordinary dedication of the Friends of the Garden (FOGs) volunteers, who have organized and nurtured the festival since its earliest days. Each year, hundreds of volunteers and staff work tirelessly to welcome thousands of visitors to the Garden and ensure that every aspect of the event runs smoothly, through every kind of weather. Their enthusiasm and commitment embody the spirit of generosity and connection that defines Apple Festival.
There is truly something for everyone at this festival: children can play and learn in the Kids’ Area, adventurous visitors can experience the thrill of tree climbing, and food lovers can explore the many local vendors offering sweet and savoury treats. Of course, no visit would be complete without sampling dozens of apple varieties (and taking home a bag or several of your favourites) and enjoying a refreshing stop at the (adults only) Apple Cider Garden in the pavillion.
At its core, Apple Festival is about far more than apples. It is about celebrating biodiversity, honouring the farmers who steward our orchards, and recognizing the traditions and volunteers who make this festival possible. It is about tasting apples in countless ways, rediscovering beloved favourites, and experiencing the joy of autumn in the Garden with family and friends.
Above all, Apple Festival is about community. It is a gathering where multiple generations come together to explore, learn and celebrate. From apple tastings and orchard displays to delicious treats and family activities, the festival creates shared moments of discovery and delight, rooted in the season and in this very special place.
I am deeply grateful to the volunteers, growers and staff who bring Apple Festival to life each year, and to all of you for being part of this celebration. May this year’s Apple Festival inspire you to savour the harvest, reflect on the importance of biodiversity, and take joy in the traditions that continue to flourish here at UBC Botanical Garden.
Written by:
Dee Ann Benard
Director
UBC Botanical Garden & Nitobe Memorial Garden