Apple Harvest Day 2025: Dover's Biggest Festival Returns

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce President Margaret Joyce and Event Coordinator Jed Allen about the upcoming Apple Harvest Day festival, followed by a monthly recap of city government activities with Media Services' Brian Early and Planning Department's Erin Bassegio.

Joyce and Allen detail preparations for Dover's 41st annual Apple Harvest Day on Oct. 4, which expects 50,000-60,000 attendees and features more than 300 vendors. This year's major change involves consolidating all parking and shuttle service at Liberty Mutual's campus. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with road closures on Central Avenue, Third Street and portions of Henry Law Avenue. The event includes a 5K road race at 8:30 a.m., two entertainment stages, food vendors and craft booths. Vendor applications sold out by early April, the earliest ever, with 50 people currently on a waiting list.

Early and Bassegio review September's City Council and Planning Board activities. The City Council approved fire department equipment purchases and set November municipal election hours. The Planning Board approved major residential projects, including 250 units at the former Liberty Mutual site and amendments to the former McIntosh College development. The board also endorsed the high school athletic complex reconstruction project, which has now received final approvals and is going to bid.