[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JOHNNY APPLESEED ARTS AND CULTURAL 
                 FESTIVAL IN LEOMINSTER, MASSACHUSETTS

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2023

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th 
anniversary of the Johnny Appleseed Arts and Cultural Festival in 
Leominster, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
  While many have heard the tales of Johnny Appleseed--the American 
folk hero who wandered our early Nation planting apple seeds--not many 
know the man behind the story.
  John Chapman was born in Leominster, Massachusetts in 1774. From a 
young age, his father taught him to cultivate trees. That's where his 
story starts.
  Back then, frontier law allowed anyone to earn a claim to the land by 
developing a permanent homestead on it. Chapman established his 
homesteads by planting apple orchards, just like his father. He 
ventured more than 100,000 square miles from Massachusetts to Illinois, 
all the while planting apple seeds in his wake. At the time of his 
death in 1845, John Chapman owned over 1,200 acres of land, leaving 
behind hundreds of apple trees.
  Every year since 1993, thousands of people have gathered in 
Leominster to celebrate the life and work of John Chapman. Through live 
music and apple crisp, the festival aims to honor Chapman's legacy of 
abundance, bravery, and cultivation.
  Mr. Speaker, this year is special. Under the dedication and expertise 
of Festival Coordinator Rick Marchand, the event has blossomed year 
after year. This year, the festival will provide 1,000 complimentary 
meals to children and their families, accommodate 230 local vendors, 
and welcome several dozens of organizations and artists to interface 
with their community. The Johnny Appleseed Arts and Cultural Festival 
is a chance to celebrate our rich land across generations.
  Mr. Speaker, Johnny Appleseed is a treasured National figure that we 
in Central Massachusetts are proud to share. I commend the Johnny 
Appleseed Festival on its 30th anniversary and am proud of the staff, 
volunteers, and community members that work to make this such a beloved 
annual event. We look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of 
neighbors to this beloved festival.

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