Although neither apples nor apple pie recipes are unique to America, the country has adopted the fruit as its own. "American as apple pie" is a fallacy whose seeds were first planted during World War II when several soldiers claimed to be going to war "for mom and apple pie." Over time, the image of a fresh-baked apple pie became synonymous with wholesome family values and American life. While there are a plethora of food festivals popping up across the globe, Vermont has been honoring the apple pie since 1969 with its annual Dummerston Apple Pie Festival.
How the Baking Began
- The Dummerston Apple Pie Festival began in 1969 as Gladys Miller's personal church fundraiser. Mrs. Miller baked a few pies with fresh Cortland apples pulled from the trees in her family's orchard. To this day, Dwight Miller Orchards still provides the apples -- now by the crate -- that fill the Dummerston Apple Pie Festival's 1500 fresh-baked pies. The pies are now baked on church premises for the two weeks leading up to the festival, with the help of community volunteers.
When and Where to Try the Pie
- The Dummerston Apple Pie Festival is held in the town of Dummerston, Vermont, just a few miles north along the Connecticut River from Brattleboro. As of 2013, the festival is one-day event, usually taking place on a Sunday on the grounds of Dummerston Congregational Church. Pies go on sale promptly at 10 a.m. and are available until they sell out. The closest freeways are Interstate 91, Route 5 and Vermont State Road 30.
- Served with a Slice of Pie
- Apple pie may be the guest of honor at the Dummerston Apple Pie Festival, but it's not the only attraction. Grab a slice of pie and pair it with a scoop of homemade ice, hot apple cider or cup of coffee. If your sweet tooth still beckons, grab a fresh doughnut or honor another one of Vermont's food favorites, authentic cheddar cheese.
The Fun Doesn't Stop With Apple Pie
- The Dummerston Apple Pie Festival has expanded to benefit its additional community sponsors, Evening Star Grange and the West Dummerston Fire Department. As a part of the Apple Pie Festival, both organizations contribute activities. Evening Star Grange hosts a lunch and booths containing local artisans selling handmade crafts and food. The West Dummerston Fire Department hosts a pancake breakfast complete with local maple syrup and also serves up hot plates of biscuits and gravy.
