Fair Haven hosting annual AppleFest Saturday

Students in the Fair Haven area school district will pool their efforts and offer the community a day of fall-inspired entertainment this Saturday.

The annual Fair Haven AppleFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the town green.

“Basically it’s the same as last year,” said Kandi Ramey, who works at the Fair Haven Grade School and helps coordinate the event. “It doesn’t change much from year to year. We have some new people every year and some people who come year after year.”

The popular community event features a wide range of activities including an assortment of vendors, games, entertainment, food, a book sale and an apple pie baking contest.

The event, which has been held every year for more than two decades, benefits Fair Haven area schools and helps cut the expense of field trips and other school activities.

“Usually, we’re quite successful,” Ramey said.

Different grade levels within the school district typically pitch in and organize different activities.

For instance, middle school students typically organize what is called “balloon bust,” in which participants try to break a water balloon hung above another person.

“One of the grades always does bead making, and the kindergarteners will be selling a jelly that was made just for this event,” Ramey said.

The always-popular cake booth returns as well, and patrons will have an opportunity to win a variety of desserts.

A number of civic organizations also participate.

“Everyone just kind of blends in; it works well,” said Ramey.

Members of the Fair Haven Farmers Market will sell their wares, and the Rotary Club will serve up its chicken barbecue.

The Fair Haven Historical Society returns and will host its fifth annual apple pie baking contest.

Amateur bakers, both adults and students, will vie for first, second and third place ribbons.

Pies must be submitted by 11 a.m., and judging will begin at noon. Pies will be evaluated based on appearance, texture and taste.

Pies must be at least 8 inches in diameter and wrapped in clear plastic.

AppleFest also features a variety of vendors, downtown merchants will have sidewalk sales and the Fair Haven Library will host a book sale.

Admission to AppleFest is completely free. In the event of rain, the activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 28.

To participate or for more information, call Ramey at 265-3883, ext. 208.