Apple Festival is back for its 43rd year
OAK HARBOR — In 2020, the annual Apple Festival was canceled like many other events in the region due to COVID-19.
"We weren't affected in 2021," said Valerie Winterfield, executive director of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
"I'm hoping it's the same and better than last year," she said. The weather for Saturday and Sunday as of now is promising to be fall perfect.
That is what Winterfield is hoping for. The festival in a good year draws thousands to the village.
"We estimate 25,000 to 30,000 over two days," Winterfield said.
This year the festival is Saturday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9. The festival is set up on Water, Church and Mills streets.
Opening ceremonies are 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the main stage and that will be followed at 9:45 a.m. with the royalty contest and the baking contest winners at 10:15 a.m. A bake goods sale follows on Church Street near the main stage.
The baby contest is 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Winterfield said the baking and baby contests are already closed to entries. But those interested in the Sunday Oct. 9 Apple Run and the Car and Bike Show may still register the day of the event. The car show draws between 300 and 400 cars. For details on these and other events, visit oakharborapplefestival.com.
The events of the festival are held mostly in a two-block area.
The Paulette Weirich Memorial Grand Parade is the biggest event of the weekend, Winterfield said. The parade is set for 2 p.m. Saturday. Parade awards are presented on the main stage at 4 p.m.
Live entertainment on Saturday begins at 4 p.m. with Johnny and Jen, followed by the talent show at 6:30 p.m.
The Junk then performs in the entertainment tent at 8 p.m. Winterfield said there is a $5 cover for that band.
On Sunday, the Portage Fire Department holds an Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with crafts for kids from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The Apple Festival Car Show is noon to 4 p.m. at Oak Harbor High School. Awards for the car show are at 3:30 p.m.
Then Apple Run activities begin at 1 p.m. at Oak Harbor Middle School. the Youth Run for ages 8 and under start at 1 p.m. followed by ages 9 to 14 at 1:30 p.m.
The 5K run and walk kicks off at 2 p.m., also at the middle school. Awards follow at 3 p.m.
There also will be a beer garden, rides and more than 130 vendors, according to the festival website.
Throughout the weekend there is a Boy Scout Apple Butter Stir and Sale in the park by the main stage. There also will be a rummage sale both days at St. John Lutheran Church.
rbrooks@gannett.com
419-334-1059
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Oak Harbor to hold 43rd Apple Festival this weekend
