A Taste of Pawpaws – Before the Festival!
“What do pawpaws taste like?” is a question we hear often. Described as a cross between banana and mango, this native fruit has a surprisingly rich, tropical flavor. But not all pawpaws are alike! Cultivated varieties are often selected for specific flavor notes—like creamy vanilla custard or tangy citrus.
We invite you to discover the unique flavors and ecology of pawpaws the evening before the Horn Farm Center’s 21st annual Pawpaw Festival!
At this special preview event, we’ll take a stroll through the farm to explore pawpaws in both our restored wild spaces and cultivated orchard, where this uniquely delicious native fruit thrives. Discover how pawpaws play a vital role in our local ecosystem—all while enjoying refreshing pawpaw-inspired cocktails. The evening concludes with a curated tasting featuring 6–10 varieties of pawpaw, including foraged wild fruits to hand-selected cultivars.
Don’t wait to reserve your spot – spaces for this casual but exclusive evening at the Horn Farm Center are limited!
Learning in the Field
In addition to planting, our regenerative growers explored the crucial role of insects in our ecosystem. With 95–99% of insects being beneficial or harmless, students are learning how to manage pests in ways that support rather than disrupt the natural balance—an essential principle of regenerative agriculture.
Savor the Wild: Cooking with Pawpaws
Embark on a flavorful adventure during the Horn Farm Center’s Wild & Uncommon Weekend, coming up September 18–21, 2025!
This 4-day celebration of the pawpaw season features tastings, tours, and unique experiences across the Lower Susquehanna Region—including a sweet finale: Savor the Wild: Cooking with Pawpaws on Sunday, September 21st.
Join Chef Liza from Locally Seasoned for a cooking demonstration and tasting that highlights the culinary versatility of this native fruit, from savory dishes to sweet drinks. You’ll also hear from York County Pawpaw Festival founders Dick and Judy Bono, who will share recipes, growing tips, and the rich history behind this one-of-a-kind fruit.
Reserve your space to Savor the Wild with Locally Seasoned!
Of course, you won’t want to miss the 21st annual Pawpaw Festival on Saturday, September 20th. This crowd-pleasing event sells out, so grab your tickets now!
Wild & Uncommon Weekend wouldn’t be possible without our generous sponsors:
Plan Your Wild & Uncommon Weekend
Can You Help During Pawpaw Fest?
The 21st Annual Pawpaw Festival is right around the corner—and we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year’s event the best one yet!
From welcoming guests to monitoring traffic, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet new people, and be part of one of our region’s most delicious event. As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy perks like:
- FREE admission to the festival, including on-site parking (otherwise reserved for VIP, handicapped, and special ticket-holders)
- Breakfast snacks and a pizza lunch provided in our volunteer stationing area.
- Priority access to purchase pawpaws before the festival.
Lend a hand and join the fun! Your time and energy make this community-powered event possible—thank you!
Join the Festival Volunteer Crew
Building a Sustainable Future with Sides Wealth Advisory Group
At Sides Wealth Advisory Group, building a sustainable future starts at home—with thoughtful financial planning that supports the long-term wellbeing of families and communities. As a proud supporter of the Horn Farm Center, Side Wealth shares our belief that lasting change begins with learning!
The Sides Wealth team aims to make complex topics easier to understand, so you can make financial decisions with confidence. Whether you’re planning for future generations or aligning your investments with your values, Side Wealth helps clients grow and preserve wealth through a holistic, personalized approach. Their team of advisors can help you with investing, insurance, estate planning, college savings, retirement planning, charitable giving, small business support and more.
Sides Wealth Advisory Group’s commitment to sustainability and legacy-building complements our mission to regenerate ecosystems, cultivate community resilience, and foster deeper connections between people and the land. We greatly appreciate their partnership and support!