Two Institutions, One Orchard Heritage

In February 2026, the festival board announced the renewal of an unprecedented partnership: Potomac Bank will continue as the overall Presenting Sponsor of the four-day festival for another three years.

“In 2019, for the first time ever, we had a business step up to provide a major financial boost to our festival… That was Potomac Bank,” said festival board president Mary Beth Blair. “Uniquely, our roots are both tied to orchardists in the Eastern Panhandle — with the bank’s reaching as far back as 1871.”

Founded by 38 Jefferson County farmers, orchardists, and business leaders shortly after the Civil War as the Bank of Charles Town, the bank adopted the Potomac Bank name after 154 years to reflect its growth across the Potomac River region. Beyond financial support, the bank provides up to 50 volunteers each year at festival events.

“The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival is the premier community event in the Eastern Panhandle, and we are proud to renew our partnership,” said Potomac Bank President and CEO Alice Frazier. “The festival is lots of fun and inspires a sense of community pride that is rare these days.”

This year’s theme aligns with the 250th birthday of our nation and the shared origins of the bank and the festival: “From our orchards to your family — an All-American Celebration.”