Christmas will be coming late for a lucky fan of SnapDragon apples, with a free trip for two to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s annual enshrinement ceremony and related activities.

Crunch Time Apple Growers, who grow and market SnapDragon and RubyFrost apples in New York State, officially opened the Snap Your Way to Canton sweepstakes for entries on Dec. 1, and fans can enter through the end of February. 

A winner will be chosen in mid-March. The grand prize winner and a guest will attend what the Canton, OH-based Pro Football Hall of Fame has dubbed Football’s Greatest Weekend in August 2026.

A first-place winner will receive an autographed item provided by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and two second-place winners will receive a football fan gear gift basket of items from SnapDragon apples.

Crunch Time Apple Growers Executive Director Jessica Wells said more than 50 retailers carry SnapDragon apples, with hundreds of store locations across the U.S. participating.

“As production of SnapDragon continues to grow and we expand availability nationwide, we’re thrilled to see this level of enthusiasm,” Wells said. “Retailers still have time to sign up so the count changes almost daily.”

Sweepstakes activation varies by retailer, including in-store signage and digital promotions.

“We will provide our retail partners with a number of display tools that allow for creativity around the sweepstakes,” Wells said. “Outside of the Hall of Fame, we have a wide range of materials that can be used to call attention to our apples in all seasons — from display bins to signage and balloons.”

Crunch Time Apple Growers continues its partnership with the Buffalo Bills, with SnapDragon as the team’s official apple. Crunch Time hands out samples at home games and donates SnapDragon apples to area food banks.

“While the Buffalo Bills are our home team, SnapDragon has a presence throughout most of the country, and every region, from Florida to Texas to California, has its own favorite team,” Wells said. “We think this is going to be a fun and engaging way to connect with consumers.”

RubyFrost: Perfect for holiday baking
While SnapDragon is gaining popularity as a snacking apple, RubyFrost apples also see consumer interest as soon as they hit store shelves in the fall and well into the holiday season, Wells said.

“RubyFrost apples are great for entertaining and baking, so demand naturally rises heading into Thanksgiving and the December holidays — particularly since RubyFrost apples are just becoming available in store around Thanksgiving,” she said.

Holiday baking is a big driver of apple purchases, and RubyFrost apples, in particular, see a boost because of their baking qualities.

“RubyFrost has a naturally balanced flavor profile with a bright, tangy finish, which stands up beautifully when baked,” Wells said. “It also holds its structure well. The flesh doesn’t break down quickly in the oven, so pies come out with distinct slices instead of turning mushy.

“Bakers love it because it delivers both texture and flavor,” she said. “Even shoppers who may not buy apples regularly will pick them up in November and December for holiday baking and decorating.”

Past Christmas, the apple category tends to see steady sales through January as shoppers refocus on fresh produce and healthier snacking.

“Apples fit perfectly into those goals because they’re convenient, nutritious and easy to grab on the go,” Wells said. “SnapDragon, with its signature Monster Crunch and natural sweetness, is especially appealing for people looking to make healthier swaps without sacrificing that satisfying, energizing bite.”