Clendenen's History

Andy Clendenen pressing apples with the Mount Gilead Cider and Fruit Press.



IN 1984, CLIF CLENDENEN AND HIS PARENTS CELEBRATED THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLENDENEN’S CIDER WORKS.  WANTING TO DO A CELEBRATION THE NEXT YEAR, CLIF’S MOM, CAROL SAID, “WHY DON’T WE CALL IT THE APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL?” AND IT QUICKLY BECAME A TOWN-WIDE ANNUAL EVENT FOR FORTUNA WITH THE WHOLE COMMUNITY INVOLVED.

THE FESTIVAL IS A CITY-WIDE HISTORICAL CELEBRATION AND FAMILY FUN DAY THAT INCLUDES AN OLD FASHIONED DOWNTOWN FAIR, FARMER’S MARKET, BARBECUES, LIVE MUSIC, AND LOTS OF CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES.  ON SUNDAY, THE TIMBER HERITAGE ASSOCIATION WILL RUN RAILROAD SPEEDER CAR RIDES FROM CLENDENEN’S CIDER WORKS TO 8TH STREET AND BACK. FREE HAYRIDE TRANSPORTATION ALLOWS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO BE CARRIED FROM ONE VENUE TO THE NEXT WHILE ENJOYING THE WONDERFUL OCTOBER WEATHER IN FORTUNA.