The old saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” If that’s the case, there shouldn’t have been a physician within miles of Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland on Sept. 21-22. Years ago, the Farmpark hosted one harvest weekend for several items to be featured. Since then, some of the items have been separated and given their own weekend to be showcased. On Sept. 21 and 22, it was the apple that took center stage at the familiar Kirtland location as Apple Harvest Weekend drew thousands to the two-day event. During Apple Harvest Weekend, those in attendance witnessed many traditional harvest activities and discovered how apple butter and cider are made. A Johnny Appleseed reenactment, a tour of the “Johnny Appleseed Trail” and harvest activities including apple-themed crafts were available each day. While families came from all over to sample apple-themed treats such as cider, jam and slushies as well as baked goods and be entertained by the inner workings of the harvest and production of the machinery, Horticulture Manager Valerie Reinhardt stressed the educational value of the weekend. “We definitely want this to be an educational weekend as well as a fun one and teach people about the importance of farming and harvesting and give them a look behind the scenes at how some things are done,” Reinhardt said. The Aug. 6 tornado and the recent drought affected some of the apple production at the Farmpark, and Reinhardt said some of the apples for the weekend were purchased off-site. The weather also affected the popular corn maze and while the corn has not fully returned as usual, a playground was added to the attraction for added enjoyment for the kids. Farmpark Administrator Lee Homyock said the Apple Harvest Weekend Dinner that kicked off the festivities on Friday night used to be attended by mostly those 50 and older, but he has seen a recent injection of youth that should keep generating more interest not only in the apple festival but multiple events at the Farmpark. “We don’t want to see kids until they are 13 and then lose them until they have their own kids so we are working on events and areas at the Farmpark to attract all ages,” Homyock said. “The corn and pumpkin weekend is very popular, but people enjoy the Apple Harvest Weekend very much.” Azzam and Sanna Tannous of Solon brought their infant daughter and nephew to the Farmpark on Sept. 22, something they travel quite a ways to do each year “before it snows” to see the animals and get in the outdoor atmosphere. This time they got a bonus lesson on all things apple, including a lesson on using a cider press from Lake Metroparks staff member Jess Watson. “We learned about apple butter which was neat because I had never heard of it before today,” Azzam said. A team of Belgian horses pull a buggy carrying patrons around Lake Metroparks Farmpark during the Apple Harvest Weekend on Sept. 22 in Kirtland. (William Tilton - News-Herald)A stand with several produce options was available for patrons to bag up and take for any donation amount they chose to leave at the Apple Harvest Weekend at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland on Sept. 21. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Cleveland State University student Vince Palombo, volunteering at Lake Metroparks Farmpark Apple Harvest Weekend, stirs a pot of apples to make apple butter and apple paste on Sept. 22. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Show Caption1 of 3A team of Belgian horses pull a buggy carrying patrons around Lake Metroparks Farmpark during the Apple Harvest Weekend on Sept. 22 in Kirtland. (William Tilton - News-Herald)Expand