FISHERS, Ind. (Aug. __, 2009) – The Apple Store at Conner Prairie, a fall favorite for 18 years, is opening its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, for this year’s Indiana apple season. Located at 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, Ind., the store, operated by the Conner Prairie Alliance, features fresh, hand-dipped Indiana caramel apples, apple slushies, apple donuts, cider and a large variety of bag-your-own Indiana apples.

The Conner Prairie Alliance, a nonprofit women’s volunteer organization, operates the seasonal Apple Store at Conner Prairie. This passionate group is recognized for donating countless hours, hard work and valued funds to Conner Prairie. Since its inception 24 years ago, the alliance has raised over $1 million for Conner Prairie’s educational programs and donates approximately 18,000 hours of volunteer service per year. Last year, alliance volunteers dipped more than 11,000 caramel apples at the Apple Store.

Since 1991, the Apple Store has been a Conner Prairie staple, starting from its humble beginnings as an apple stand in an old pole barn. The Apple Store is now housed in a freestanding building thanks to the alliance’s fundraising efforts. More than 70 women will volunteer at the store this year, filling over 175 shifts. Annually, it takes nearly 1,200 hours to keep the store running.

This year the Apple Store will also feature handmade fire pit pokers crafted by Conner Prairie blacksmiths, unique Amish goods, gourmet dog treats and special gift ideas. The Apple Store also offers special order gourmet caramel apples, upon request.

The Apple Store will be open Sept. 1 – Nov. 1, Tuesdays – Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission to Conner Prairie is not required to visit the Apple Store. All proceeds benefit various Conner Prairie educational programs. To receive Apple Store coupons, sign up for Conner Prairie e-news alerts at connerprairie.org.


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Conner Prairie interactive history park, created by Eli Lilly in 1934, is Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres including the newest exhibit, 1859 Balloon Voyage. This exhibit educates guests about Indiana’s aviation history and culminates with a voyage 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon. Every visit is a unique adventure that provides an authentic look into the history that shapes us today. Admission to Conner Prairie: $12 adult, $11 senior, $8 youth ages 2-12, free for members. For more information about Conner Prairie visit www.connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.

Media Contact: Angela Tuell, Public Relations Manager
(office) 317.214.4732, (cell) 410.430.9518, Tuell@connerprairie.org