The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and the Apple Harvest Day Festival Committee announce the entertainment lineup for the 26^th Annual Apple Harvest Day on October 2 in Downtown Dover.  This year Apple Harvest Day features six entertainment venues with bands, dance troupes, chefs, musicians, theatre groups and more. (See schedule below)

“The Festival Committee really re-invented the entertainment options this year,” commented Chamber Marketing Manager Aaron Wensley. “Having the Eric Grant Band perform just weeks after winning just about every major country music award in New Hampshire is going to be great.”  

Beyond having award winning music from the Eric Grant Band, Apple Harvest Day also features a new music stage on Third Street that will feature local legends Gazpacho and the Modulators. The Songwriters Stage in Waldron Courtyard also returns this year and features the best in local original music. 

“This year’s Apple Harvest Day is really set up for everyone,” said Kirt Schuman, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “I am particularly excited about the Seacoast Chefs Challenge that will introduce a culinary aspect the Festival has lacked. I can’t wait to check out the Ross Furniture Northend Stage as I am looking forward to having the Festival expand around the corner onto Third Street.”  

With over six entertainment venues with activities throughout the day, there is something for everyone at Apple Harvest Day on October 2^. 

The XFINITY Stage is located in the Rotary Arts Pavilion and features a full slate of entertainment in the center of the Festival. Your hosts are the radio crew from WOKQ.  

• 9:00am - Opening Ceremony with DHS Marching Band
• 10:00am - UNH Theatre performances
• 11:00am - 24^th Annual WOKQ Apple Pie Contest Judging
• 12:00pm - Folk and Bluegrass with Poor Howard Stith
• 2:30pm - Kickin’ Country with Eric Grant Band presented by Cuzin’ Richard Entertainment  

The Urban Tree Service Songwriters Stage located in Waldron Courtyard features performances by some of the region’s best original artists in an intimate setting. Food provided by Weathervane Seafood Restaurants.  

• 10:00am - 'mystery performer'
• 10:50am - Chad Verbeck
• 11:40am - Dave Talmage
• 12:30pm - Dan Walker
• 1:20pm  - Martin England
• 2:10pm  - Charlie Strater  

The new Ross Furniture Northend Rocks Stage is located on Third Street and features the high tempo tunes of some of the area’s best rock bands. Your hosts are the radio crew from The Bay 98.7.

• 10:00am - Ralph’s House of Tone ‘Rockright Academy’ performances
• 12:00pm - 80’s Covers with Gazpacho
• 2:00pm - Classic Rock with the Modulators  

Seacoast Chefs’ Challenge

Located on Orchard Street, the Seacoast Chefs’ Challenge  is a live cooking competition that has your favorite local chefs square off in front of expert judges, featuring apple themed menus. Participating Chefs representing Blue Latitudes, JP’s Catering, Dante’s and Flavor Concepts Catering will be in attendance. The Seacoast Chefs’ Challenge is presented by The Communication Mill, WXGR 101.5, D.F. Richard Energy, Favorite Foods, M. Saunders Inc, Elite Printing and Taylor Rental of Rollinsford.  

Art Around Town Event

A new addition to Apple Harvest Day is the Art Around Town Event.  Sponsored by Ar - tech - ulate Support and produced in conjunction with Cocecho Arts and Technology Academy several local artists will produce works of art at specific locations throughout the downtown area, such as the River Walk, City Hall, and outside the Strand Theatre on Third Street.  The artists will work on their creations throughout the day. During this time, visitors to Apple Harvest Day will be provided with a map and invited to tour the various locales.  At each stop along the tour they will receive a short biography of the artist along with the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the artist at work.  

Get your guide to this interactive tour at the CATA booth on First Street which will also feature works for sale, including prints, paintings and jewelry from many of the artists participating in the event. Additionally, demonstrations will occur throughout the day at the CATA booth.  

These entertainment options in addition to the hundreds of crafters and artisans, rides and amusements and limitless food options make Apple Harvest Day in Dover the ideal family destination on October 2^nd. Apple Harvest Day kicks off with the running of the Apple Harvest Day 5K presented by PainCare and Salmon Falls Family Healthcare at 8:30am. Runners can register on dovernh.org.  

In conjunction with the DHS Alumni weekend, COAST Transportation will be providing free shuttle service between downtown Dover and the High School for those wishing to attend both events without moving their car.  

For more information regarding Apple Harvest Day please visit dovernh.org.