by Irmingard Z
Originally published in the October/November 2004 Currents

South of the Elbe river you find the largest fruit growing area in Germany called the Altes Land. Marking the end of the apple picking time, the last part of the harvest before the onset of winter, the Festival of Harvest Thanksgiving traditionally takes place on the first Sunday in November in the small town of Jork, this year on November 7.

After the church service, the so-called St. Matthias Market – named after the church of Jork – will be opened in the Festival Hall behind the church featuring various crafts, produce, homemade jams, jellies, books, prints, etc. If you are looking for unique small gifts, stocking stuffers for Christmas, or homemade items, this is the place to go. Lunch – try the traditional Hochzeitssuppe (wedding soup) – is available from noon on. The incredible variety of wonderful homemade cakes and tortes donated by the ladies of Jork are most tempting. You can savour them right there with coffee or tea or take some home. It is quite common to share tables. Entertainment, including folk dancing with traditional costumes, goes on all day on the stage of the festival hall, and there are also special programs for children. As everything takes place indoors, the weather doesn’t matter, and everybody enjoys this popular event. Entrance is free, prices are reasonable and the proceeds go to special church projects.

How to get there: Either take the Autobahn A7 to the Waltershof/Finkenwerder exit; follow road through Finkenwerder, then along the dike until you reach the Borstel windmill and turn left; follow the road into the center of Jork; go straight across the intersection – you will see the church on your left. There will be free parking on the left-hand side after you have passed the church and also in various places in the center of town. Or take the A7 to the Moorburg exit, then follow signs to Altes Land-Neuenfelde-Jork. Remember that you need to go to the west, otherwise you will end up in Harburg. This road will eventually lead you into the center of Jork. It is also called Obstmarschenweg.