Jerry Tyson aka Johnny Appleseed walks down East Lincoln Way during the 2024 Johnny Appleseed Festival Grand Parade. (File photo by Stephanie Elverd)

LISBON — In 1968, Lisbon became the first village to celebrate the tree-planting pioneer John Chapman and the character based on the nurseryman’s life — the more well-known Johnny Appleseed.

Nearly 60 decades later, Lisbon still pauses to celebrate Chapman, whose apple seed planting excursions in Ohio Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, and the Canadian province of Ontario in the 19th century turned the man into a myth and eventually a legend.

In less than 10 days, this year’s celebration will fill the streets of Lisbon with the 2025 Johnny Appleseed Festival (JAF) on tap Sept. 20 and 21. This year’s festival will also honor an individual that not only helped start the festival but has kept it going.

“This year’s festival marks the 57th year,” said Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judy Noel. “I am proud to announce our JAF Parade Grand Marshal, Cheryl Mills. Cheryl was instrumental in organizing the first ever Johnny Appleseed Festival and volunteered for over 25 years ensuring the Festival was a success. We owe a lot to her for making the Festival what it is today.”

The grand parade gets underway at 10:45 a.m. but Lisbon Fire Department’s all-you-can-breakfast officially kicks off the 2025 festivities.

Those festivities include old and new attractions and events, as Noel explained.

“The Apple Sack Fashion Contest is a new event this year. Contestants purchase apple sacks (burlap bags) and create a wearable item from one of three categories,” she said. “Our Great Duck Race is going to be exciting as it begins on ‘Eagles Hill’ and continues to the Save A Lot area. Stop by the Chamber tent for your ducks and give them a warm up float at our new Duck Race trailer. These events are in addition to our Pie Baking Contest, Appleseed’s Got Talent Show, Art Show, Car Show and exhibits at the Lisbon Historical Society and Quilt Show and raffle at the Train Station.”

There will also be food and lots of it from apple desserts of every kind to food trucks.

“We will have 106 artisans and vendors this year,” Noel said. “I’m sure there will be plenty of food options to satisfy anyone’s palate. Most of the vendors have been at the festival for years, but we have some new artisans and food trucks, also.”

Festival-goers will also have plenty of entertainment from bands, solo artists, dancers, magicians, and martial arts on two stages. McGinnis Amusements will once again be providing the rides.

The JAF Royalty will also be crowned.

The Johnny Appleseed Festival Queen, Little Mr. Apple Bud and Little Miss Apple Blossom.

The JAF will also feature Johnny Appleseed himself, portrayed by Jerry Tyson.

“Of course, the Festival would not be complete without our very own Johnny Appleseed,” Noel said. “Johnny will be setting up his cabin on the square and eager to see visitors.”

Noel also took the time to thank the JAF sponsors.

Without them, the festival would not be possible,” she added.

Below is a complete JAF lineup.

Saturday, Sept. 20:

– 7-11 a.m. Firemen’s All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast (Lisbon Fire Hall)

– 9:45 a.m. Line-up for Parade (McKinley Elementary School)

– 10:45 a.m. Grand Parade

– 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Quilt Show (The Train Station)

– Noon Crowning of 2025 Little Miss Apple Blossom & Little Mister Apple Bud, Visiting Royals Introductions, Parade Trophies Presentation (Main Stage)

– 12-4 p.m. Classic Car Show (JMullen Motors)

– 12-8 p.m. Lisbon Historical Society (119 E. Washington St.)

– 12:30-2:30 p.m. Abbey Road (Second Stage)

– 1-2 p.m. Appleseed’s Got Talent Contest (Main Stage)

– 2:30-3:30 p.m. Dennis Regling (Second Stage)

– 3-3:30 p.m. Chris Garcia Dance (Main Stage)

– 4 p.m. Apple Pie Baking Contest (The Gazebo)

– 4-5 p.m. McLaughlin’s Martial Arts Demonstration (Main Stage)

– 4-6 p.m. Laura Miller & Vince (Second Stage)

– 5-6 p.m. Rust Valley Revival (Main Stage)

– 7 p.m. Social Stompers (Main Stage)

– 7-8 p.m. Mike Webb (Second Stage)

– 8-11 p.m. Against The Wind (Main Stage)

Sunday, Sept. 21:

– 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lisbon Assembly of God Church Service (Main Stage)

– 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Leanne Binder (Main Stage)

– 12-12:30 p.m. Michael Griffin Magician (Second Stage)

– 12-6 p.m. Quilt Show (The Train Station)

– 12-6 p.m. Lisbon Historical Society (119 E. Washington St.)

– 1:30 p.m. Queen’s Luncheon (Lisbon United Methodist Church)

– 1-1:30 p.m. Great JAF Duck Race (TBD)

– 1-3 p.m. Dave & Casie (Second Stage)

– 2-4 p.m. Mike Cunningham (Main Stage)

– 3:30-4:00 p.m. Michael Griffin Magician (Second Stage)

– 4 p.m. Apple Sack Fashion Contest (Main Stage)

– 5 p.m. Announcements, Crowning of 2025-2026 JAF Queen & Attendant, Visiting Royal Introductions, Raffle Drawings, Art Show Winners (Main Stage)

– 5-6 p.m. Empty Bottles Band – (Second Stage)

– 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wrangler Band (Main Stage)