Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education

Horn Farm Happenings – York County Pawpaw Fest

August 26, 2021 Happenings

The Horn Farm Center & 7group Present the 17th Annual York County Pawpaw Festival

Celebrate local food and regenerative agriculture at the 17th annual York County Pawpaw Festival, presented by the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education and 7group, on September 18 & 19, 2021 from 10:00am-3:00pm, located at the Horn Farm, 4945 Horn Road, York, PA 17406. 

The York County Pawpaw Festival is an outdoor, family-friendly festival celebrating York County’s beloved pawpaw. Pawpaws are the largest edible fruit native to the Eastern United States. This delectable fruit grows in abundance right here in the Susquehanna River region. Pawpaws are only in season for a few weeks in September and until mid October. 

The main attractions of the event are the pawpaw fruit, both wild and cultivated varieties, and pawpaw trees, which will be available for purchase. Other pawpaw related items will be available including pawpaw cookbooks, books, and t-shirts.  In addition, the festival will feature local food vendors, artisans, and community organizations. Fresh produce from the Horn Farm, native plants, jams, jellies, honey, and more will be for sale. Visitors will also enjoy tours of the farm and pawpaw orchard. 

The York County Pawpaw Festival is part of York County Watershed Week in partnership with the Watershed Alliance of York. Watershed Alliance volunteers will be leading a tree planting activity at 1:00pm each day of the festival. Visitors are encouraged to get their hands dirty by planting trees in the Horn Farm Center’s new riparian buffer. 

Admission is free. A $5.00 pawpaw tasting box, which will include up to 6 different pawpaw varieties, will be available for those who would like to taste test various pawpaw varieties. All proceeds support local regenerative agriculture practices and education programs at the Horn Farm Center. This event will be held rain or shine and all pawpaws, tasting boxes, produce, and products will be available while supplies last. For more information visit hornfarmcenter.org/pawpawfest/

In order to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, vendors, volunteers and staff, we ask that all participants bring and wear masks, especially when 6 ft. social distancing is not possible. We will have masks on hand if you forget yours. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will also be available on site. If you are sick or recovering, please stay home. 

2021 Pawpaw Festival Vendors Include:

  • The Gardener of the Owl Valley 
  • Horn Farm Center 
  • Heartwood Nursery
  • Gino’s Nursery
  • Locally Seasoned
  • Noble Earth Kombucha
  • Bee Bees All Natural
  • Watershed Alliance of York
  • Kilgore Family Farm
  • Betsy’s Flowers at the Farm
  • The Fertrell Co.
  • Ort Family Farm
  • Alpacas of York
  • Dough & Arrows (Sunday Only)
  • 4 Herbs & 7 Spices Ago (Sunday Only)

The 2021 Pawpaw Festival is supported by local businesses who believe in our mission to connect soil, food, and people in ways that improve the health and resilience of our community. We thank the following sponsors for supporting regenerative agriculture and education at the Horn Farm Center:

The 2021 York County Pawpaw Festival is Sponsored by:

  • 7group
  • Richards Energy Group
  • UPMC
  • Fertrell Ag Supply
  • Specialty Tree Service
  • John Wright Restaurant
  • Lemon Street Market
  • Wise Printing Company
  • The Wenger Group
  • Barton & Associates, Inc. 

The event is also supported by:

  • Shank’s Mare
  • Evolution Power Yoga
  • Stauffers of Kissel Hill
  • Knaper’s Stop & Go

Click here for more information.

Help Wanted: Volunteers Needed

The 17th Annual York County Pawpaw Festival is right around the corner and we could use your help.  We are looking for volunteers to help with many activities during the event including setting up, parking, and helping at the registration table. If you are able to volunteer that weekend, please sign up!

Click here to volunteer

UPDATED: Horn Farm Center Health and Safety Policy

The Horn Farm Center is offering on-site educational programming with some modifications due to COVID-19. Multiple hand sanitizer stations are available. We will adjust as needed as time passes and things change.

In order to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff, participant expectations are as follows:

  • Participants are required to bring a mask and wear it when indoors, unless you are fully vaccinated.
  • Do not attend if sick or recovering.