Not unlike apple cider, you’d be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable community event than last year’s wildly popular Apple Fest.
The mix of music, vendors and children’s activities held amongst the banks of the Minnesota River and the changing leaves drew rave reviews from individuals of all ages during last year’s first go and the Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce is looking to build on that success.
“We are taking what worked last year and are expanding on it,” says Chamber Director Nicole Zempel. “We had such a wonderful turnout, beautiful weather, and great participation from area business and organizations. It was just a great family event that people really seemed to enjoy.”
Once again Apple Fest goers can expect musical merriment via Jerry Ostensoe and the Strollers, creative exuberance with crafts for kids (this year facilitated by the Granite Falls Art Council), plenty of horsing around with free hay rides and sticky fun fingers courtesy of fresh cider from the old fashioned apple press.
This year, the majority of the activities will occur along Main Street where more individuals will have easy access to more vendors, food, and events. Zempel says that new to this year, members of the community and visitors can expect to see more:
•Vendors – Nearly 20 craft and miscellaneous vendors will have tables on Main Street.
•Food – A huge bake sale from the hospital and manor and all day food service from the Granite Falls ambulance.
•Activities – A giant multi-level hay bale maze in Rice Park, minnow races and picture opportunities with oversized pumpkin and apple props.
Definitely the interest
This year’s day will fall in coordination with the Meander, and Zempel says she hopes that Apple Fest will take advantage of the extra foot traffic expected from the art crawl.
“With events you always hope that something takes off and continues to grow,” she said. With this year’s business and organizational sponsorship having doubled all indications are that Zempel’s hopes are burgeoning reality.
“We're always getting inquiries as to whether or not we were going to do it again this year - so we know there is the interest,” Zempel said. “We are all just very excited for the second annual Apple Fest.”
Food will begin being served at 11:00 a.m., music at 2:00 p.m. and kid activities start at 3:00 p.m. Apple Fest running to 7:00 p.m.
