Orrin H. Joseph

Apple Valley Area Guide

Apple Valley is a town located in California at the southern edge of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County's Victor Valley. Apple Valley is neighbored by Victorville to the west, Adelanto to the northwest, and Hesperia to the southwest. The town was named for the valley’s abundance of apple fields that Apple Valley relied on as a principal industry up until World War I. After World War I, a number of factors including fungus, frosts, and the rising cost of electricity to operate the water pumps killed off many orchards. Soon after the area was discovered by land developers who quickly built modern homes, golf courses, and other recreational facilities, as well as three elementary schools and a junior high school were built and expanded in a period of ten years. Apple Valley became a retreat for movie stars and the site of several movie productions. Among its more renowned residents were Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, who claim Apple Valley as their final resting place.

Apple Valley Area Attractions

In Apple Valley there is always something to do, whether it is enjoying one of the town’s many festivals (like the Freedom Festival or the Apple Valley Round Up), or visiting the historic California Route 66 Museum located in nearby Victorville. The nearby San Bernardino County Fairgrounds annually draws tens of thousands to enjoy a rodeo, carnival, award-winning livestock, stage shows, and much more. For sports fans, the neighboring town of Adelanto is home to the High Desert Mavericks, the Class Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Apple Valley has the unique feature of having a multitude of equestrian trails that allow for easy travel by horseback through many areas of the town. Apple Valley is a short drive away from the resort areas of Arrowhead, Big Bear, and Wrightwood, as well as the wide array of entertainment offered in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Freedom Festival
This annual Independence Day celebration offers water activities, children’s games, the Fire District Jr. Combat Challenge, bounce houses, lots of food, a beer garden, a wide variety of merchandise for sale, as well as live entertainment. Entertainment includes Desperado, a live tribute band dedicated to the best of the Eagles, the Shenanigans, Apple Valley Idol Winners, and more! There will also be a National Anthem and Color Guard presentation at 6pm. For more information about the Freedom Festival, please visit the event website at: http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=491.

Sunset Concert Series
The Sunset Concert Series is presented by Target and proudly features headlining bands, a beer garden for those of age, and a mouth watering array of food. This weekly event offers friends, family, and neighbors the opportunity for a summer of fun! For more information about this event, please visit the following link: http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=492.

Equine Extravaganza
This event is every horse admirer and rider’s dream with leading experts offering demonstrations of riding styles such as Dressage and Parelli. Workshops available include equine first aid and dentistry, to how to conduct a pre-purchase check up. Vendors are also on hand with items for horse owners or horse admirers. The American Mule Association will also be on hand to show off some of their mules and everyone will be amazed with the artistry of Dressage riding. This family friendly event even offers bounce houses for children. For more information about the Equine Extravaganza, please visit their site at: http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=495.

San Bernardino Fairgrounds
These fairgrounds attract thousands of visitors a year to the annual San Bernardino County Fair, as well as 150+ other events each year. These events include consumer and trade shows, meetings, expositions, conventions, inter-track wagering, sporting events, and agricultural events. For a list of updated events, please visit the San Bernardino Fairgrounds’ site at: http://sbcfair.com/

Winter Wonderland and Christmas Tree Lighting
This is a community celebration for everyone from the young to the young at heart. With free admission and parking, Winter Wonderland and Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual event held at Civic Center Park and Town Hall. Winter Wonderland is a family friendly event with train rides, inflatables, crafts, refreshments, information and giveaways, live entertainment and falling snow. Pictures opportunities with Santa are also available. The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and ornament give away start at 6pm in the front of Town Hall. Civic Center Park and Town Hall are located at 14955 Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley. For more information about this event, please visit the event’s website at the following link. http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=645

Apple Valley Golf Course
The Apple Valley Country Club has a long and celebrated history in the town of Apple Valley, serving Hollywood stars like Bob Hope, Lawrence Welk and Desi Arnaz; championship golfers such as Arnold Palmer, Lloyd Mangrum, Tommy Bolt and Mike Souchak; as well as historic town founders Newton Bass and Bud Westlund. The Apple Valley Country Club has the best greens in the High Desert and offers an 18-hole golf course, two tennis courts, and banquet and meeting rooms are available for public use. To learn more about this magnificent golf course and country club, please visit their website at: http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=591

Apple Valley Youth Sports
The Apple Valley Recreation Department creates a fun and safe environment for all players, spectators, and coaches. All of the leagues offered are non-competitive, but rather strive for positive interactions and focus on sportsmanship with all players and coaches. However, they periodically offer one day tournaments in which they crown a champion for each respective division. Apple Valley Youth Spots offers Pee Wee Soccer League, Father and Son Basketball Tournament, 3 on 3 Youth Soccer Tournament, Adventures in Pee Wee Sports, and the Mini Muddy Run. For more information on Apple Valley Youth Sports, please visit their website at: http://www.applevalley.org/Index.aspx?page=609