(Batesville, IN) — Large crowds, picture-perfect weather, and a record number of vendors helped make the 35th annual Batesville Kiwanis Applefest a successful weekend at Liberty Park.
The two-day festival filled the park Saturday and Sunday with food, live entertainment, children’s activities, vendors, train rides, and one of Applefest’s signature traditions — the annual royalty pageant.
Rick Allgier was named Applefest King, and Wendy Eisert was crowned Queen during Sunday’s pageant.
The 2026 youth royalty included Apple Bud Silas Bryant, Apple Blossom Bristol Goins, Apple Jack Easton Strelink, and Apple Dumpling Za-Kari Reverman.
The 2026 Batesville Kiwanis Applefest royalty is pictured following Sunday’s pageant at Liberty Park. Front, from left: Apple Bud Silas Bryant, Apple Blossom Bristol Goins, Apple Jack Easton Strelink, and Apple Dumpling Za-Kari Reverman. Back: Queen Wendy Eisert and King Rick Allgier. (Provided Photo)
Organizers were also treated to nearly ideal conditions throughout the weekend, with sunshine and comfortable temperatures helping draw strong crowds to Liberty Park.
Kiwanis member Bob Fitzpatrick said Saturday brought a “tremendous crowd,” while Sunday produced another busy day at the park.
Sunday’s attendance received an additional boost from the Ohio Rail Experience’s Applefest Express, which brought approximately 250 passengers from Cincinnati to Batesville for the festival. The excursion included a three-hour layover in Batesville, giving passengers time to visit Applefest before the return trip.
The crowds also had more vendors to visit than ever before.
Kiwanis member Matt Moore, who coordinated vendors for the event, said organizers had to create additional spaces this year to accommodate the increased participation.
“We’ve had more vendors than we’ve ever had in the past. We had to create more spots for them, and it’s been a great turnout,” Moore said.
Food remained a major part of the Applefest experience. Kiwanis volunteers served burgers, hot dogs, brats, and apple sausage, while other organizations and vendors offered apple dumplings, cobbler, and a variety of other choices.
Families also found plenty to do beyond the food and vendor booths. Activities included bounce houses, train rides, library programs, and the Kids Discovery Factory.
Live entertainment continued throughout the weekend. Saturday’s schedule included the Boone Boys, while the Eureka Band performed Sunday following the royalty pageant.
Fitzpatrick said the formal Applefest celebration began 35 years ago at Liberty Park as a joint effort involving Kiwanis and the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. The event has since become a Kiwanis function and the club’s largest fundraiser.
What began as a community festival more than three decades ago remains a fall tradition in Batesville, bringing together local organizations, vendors, families, food, entertainment, and generations of Applefest royalty each September.
