The smell of apple cider wafts through the air. The kitchen buzzes as volunteers quickly dip apple after apple in caramel, chocolate, peanuts, and other goodies. Guests visit The Apple Store day and night, and no matter the time, they are greeted by cheery volunteers and head home with armfuls of tasty treats and cute home décor.
For the past 40 years, scenes just like this have played out at the Conner Prairie Apple Store, run by the hardworking and dedicated members of the Conner Prairie Alliance.
Each year, these volunteers put in 4,000 hours to run this seasonal gift shop and treasured fall activity for local families. Members ensure it is filled with delectable caramel apples, apple cider slushies, and more. Their support and long hours translate to $100,000 donated annually in support of major projects at the museum and the group has raised $1.9 million in support of Conner Prairie since 1984.
“This is our main fundraiser and all the proceeds benefit Conner Prairie,” shares Marsha Sutton, Alliance President, “We are so proud to be a small part of helping Conner Prairie with their new projects and programs.”
The impact of the Alliance’s philanthropy is hard to miss at Conner Prairie. Each caramel apple they’ve dipped and apple slushie they’ve poured has translated to support for nearly every major project at the museum, from 1859 Balloon Voyage to Animal Encounters to Treetop Outpost and Promised Land as Proving Ground.
“The ladies of the Alliance are very active advocates for Conner Prairie,” Marsha shares, “The Apple Store has become a tradition for so many families. We try hard to make it a fun and enjoyable experience while helping Conner Prairie at the same time!”
This fall, we hope you’ll visit and join us in celebrating 40 years of the Conner Prairie Apple Store by stocking up on your favorite caramel apples, cider slushies, and home décor! Every purchase supports upcoming experiences at the museum that serve our guests and the community.
The Conner Prairie Alliance is a passionate, hardworking group of women and hundreds of alumni committed to raising dollars in support of the Conner Prairie mission. Interested in joining? Learn more here!
And, learn more about how you can support Conner Prairie’s mission through our Annual Impact Fund, which makes possible the many activities, exhibits, and educational experiences that take place at Conner Prairie.