The 24th Annual Apple Harvest Festival happens this weekend at Windy Hill. Here’s what to know

The tradition is in its 24th year and will kick off with apple cider (hard and otherwise), apple cider donuts, hayrides and more at 10 a.m. sharp.

Here’s what you need to know.

The celebration starts at 10 a.m. in the orchard this Saturday, October 21, and you’ll need to buy a ticket in advance.

Tickets are $10 each and include a hayride or hard cider sample (children 2 and under are free), and must be purchased online. Windy Hill caps attendance at 1,800 people, and tickets are going fast. According to the orchard, there are only a few hundred tickets left, and the event is expected to sell out by tomorrow (Thursday).

Those that choose the hayride option will get, in addition to the ride, an 8-ounce cup of non-alcoholic cider along with a donut while those that choose the hard cider option will receive a 12-ounce pour of one of the orchard’s famed hard ciders. Get them here.

If you’d like to do both, the Orchard recommends you buy the hayride option and then purchase any cider you’d like to try on-site, directly at the Cider Bar.

Parking, which can be found in the horse pastures behind the orchard, is not included in your ticket and costs $5. Proceeds benefit the Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department, who will be in charge of parking.

You’ll get the same experience in an hour that you will if you spend the entire day at the celebration.

The festival itself is small, and is a great addition to your Saturday rather than your entire Saturday.

Until 6 p.m., you can expect live music, a hard cider bar, a BBQ truck, blacksmith demonstrations and kids’ activities.

Bands will play from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 1 to 5 p.m. Other activities include apple butter making, photo ops, a live chainsaw carving and a bounce house.

As always, cider will be a staple, and you can get your fix with 24 different taps at three different bar areas.

Bring cash.

There will be Square Stands at most areas, but several will be a cash-only operation in hopes of keeping the lines short.

If you want to avoid the crowds – and there will be crowds – come early.

“Early in the day (10 a.m.-12:00-ish) is a little slower and less crowded,  so if you are wanting to avoid the busiest times, come early,” a representative from the orchard told the Agenda. “This is also a great tip for families coming with children.”

And, if you can’t make it this weekend, the orchard hosts weekend events through early January.

Including Home Brew Hard Cider Day on November 11 and the 3rd Annual Oyster Roast on January 6. See the full calendar here.

TL;DR

Who: Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
What: 24th Annual Apple Harvest Festival
When: October 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: 1860 Black Highway, York, SC

Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill is located at 1860 Black Highway, York, and is open Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.