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September 19- 21, 2025
Experience Excelsior Apple Days – a cherished lakeside festival that unites our community, art, local flavors, and a classic street dance. Since 1935, this event has delighted fans with a day packed full of activities like craft booths, a kids corner, food vendors, history tours, Apple Pie contests, live entertainment from local talents and renowned bands, and a lively beer and wine garden at the heart of it all! Don't miss out on this lakeside extravaganza!
Our Partnering Orchard: The Gilchrist Family Orchard
Meet the heart behind our apples - Steve and Tami Gilchrist, lovingly known as “Ma” and “Pa” to their five grandchildren. After 20 years raising their family in Dallas, TX, they returned to their roots in Buffalo, NY in 2001. But it wasn’t long before their children led them to a new adventure in a new Buffalo - Buffalo, Minnesota!
Their three sons: Jack, Ben, and Grant and their families are all part of the orchard’s story.
Every family member brings something special to the orchard, creating a beautiful blend of passion, hard work, and joy.
The Gilchrists are proud to serve the Buffalo, MN community and beyond with fresh, hand-picked, Minnesota-grown apples. From the incredible variety of apples to their deep history, the Gilchrists find magic in every harvest and they’re on a mission to share that magic with as many people as possible.
Their goal? For your family to fall in love with apples the same way theirs did. They believe Minnesota apples are the best in the world and after one bite, you might just agree.
There’s nothing better than a crisp fall day in the orchard, filling bags to the brim with apples grown with love and care.
We’re honored to partner with the Gilchrist Orchard family and bring their passion (and their apples) to your table.


Apple Days 2025: Set Sail with the Chamber & Paradise Charter Cruises!
New this year! Enhance your Apple Days experience with a 45-minute lakeside cruise aboard Paradise Charter Cruises, hosted by the Excelsior–Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce!
Choose from two cruise times – 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM – and soak in the stunning views of Lake Minnetonka before diving into the heart of the Apple Days celebration.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot now using the link above! Then enjoy the charm of downtown Excelsior with food vendors, live music, artisan booths, and more throughout the day.
Don’t miss this perfect way to kick off your Apple Days adventure!
Questions?
Contact Tiffany King
tiffany@elmcc.org
952-686-6046
Schedule of Events
Friday, September 19
5 PM: Apple Day Kick-Off !
5:30-7 PM: Mark Miller Band
7:30-10 PM: Ragtown
Saturday, September 20
8:00 - 10:00 AM Pie Baking Contest submissions dropped off to Dunn Brothers
10 AM: Show Opens - Kid's Corner, Food Vendors, Beer Garden, Artist Booths
11-11:45 AM: Cruise + Capture with Paradise Charter Cruises (Free to Register! Link above)
12-12:45 AM: Cruise + Capture with Paradise Charter Cruises (Free to Register! Link above)
12:15 PM: Pie Eating Contest Adults
12:30: Pie Eating Contest Kids
12:45 Pie Baking Contest winners announced
1:30-3:30: Sawyer's Dream
4:15-6:15 PM: Jake + Josie
5:00 Artist Booths Close
7-10 PM: Gen X JukeBox
10 PM: Show Closes
Sunday, September 21
10 AM: Show opens
4 PM: Show closes


Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Beer Garden Sponsor
Business Champion Sponsors

