2026 EVENTS

Here’s a list of presentations and workshops about heirloom apples led by John Bunker, unless otherwise specified. Many of these talks are on zoom and are open to anyone who registers. Please check back for updates throughout the year to see if there is an apple talk, walk, or tasting in a town near you. Many of them are opportunities to bring your old mystery varieties to John Bunker for identification. Additional events may be posted on mofga.org and fedcoseeds.com.

September 18, 2026,Vaughan Homestead, #2 Litchfield Road, Hallowell, ME, 6:00 pm. “Heritage Apples: Stories from Maine’s Lost Orchards”. What can an old apple tree tell us about Maine’s past? Join renowned apple historian, author, and orchardist John Bunker for a lively journey into the world of Maine’s heritage apples—those wonderfully named, often nearly forgotten varieties that once grew in orchards and backyards across the state. For decades, Bunker has tracked down ancient trees, pieced together clues from old books and journals, talked with generations of Maine growers, and rediscovered apples thought to be lost. Along the way, he has uncovered stories about the people who planted them, the places they came from, and the changing agricultural landscape of Maine. Come hear the stories behind these remarkable fruits and discover why saving an old apple can mean saving a piece of Maine history. Free and open to the public.

September 25-27, 2026, Common Ground Country Fair, MOFGA Fairgrounds,Unity, ME. Three days celebrating country living and APPLES. Come to the apple tent to immerse yourself in all things apples.There’s a mega-display of varieties from common to obscure.There are lively (and crowded) apple tasting events. And there are a handful of apple geeks to answer your questions and possibly id your apples. John Bunker is giving talks throughout the three days at the nearby Hayloft Tent. Check the fair program for times of talks and tastings.

October 11, 2026, Scott Farm, Dummerston, VT. John Bunker apple talk.

October 17, 2026, Harpswell, ME. Apple talk and tasting.

October 25, 2026, Great Maine Apple Day, MOFGA, Unity, ME. Come sample all the apples you’ve heard about and lots more. Talks, tastings, apples for sale. John will be there. You should be there too!

October 28, 2026, Historical Society, 938 Post Road, Wells, ME, 6:30 pm. “Historic Apple Heritage of Southern Maine”, a talk by John Bunker.

November 14, 2026, Ellsworth, ME. Downeast Cider Fest.