29th annual VW Apple Fest this weekend

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

This is the 29th year for the Van Wert Apple Festival, dating back to its inception in 1987, and the annual festival celebrating apples and food items that come from apples, as well as crafts with apple motifs, will be held this weekend.

This year’s festival will run from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, October 16, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

As in past years, food items, crafts and entertainment will headline the weekend event, with a number of apple-themed food items for sale over the weekend. Apple cider will be made at the festival site, as will be apple butter and non-apple food items such as hot caramel corn, while apple dumplings, chili and hot sandwiches will be for sale. There will also be a number of beverage choices at the festival.

A large number of crafters, estimated at more than 85 this year, will offer a variety of crafts, including quilts, wood carvings and many other items. There will also be potted mums and other fresh-cut flowers for sale, while the Van Wert County Youth Art Contest/Display will be held both days.

The Homestead Donkeys will be at the Apple Festival on Saturday, while hourly entertainment has been planned for both days of the festival.

Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, local singing group Trinity will take the stage, followed by Stars by Erin at 6 p.m., the Mount Pleasant Band at 7 that evening, and Happy Days at 8 p.m. Friday.

On Saturday, entertainment will begin at 10 a.m. with dancers from Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks, followed by the Blind Date Band from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Mike Semer at 1 p.m., the Hilligans Bluegrass Band at 2 p.m. and a group from Victory Church at 3 Saturday afternoon.

There will also be free horse-drawn wagon rides around the fairgrounds, pony rides and a petting zoo.

The event is organized by the Van Wert County Apple Growers Association, with a number of other sponsors, including The Van Wert County Foundation, providing financial support.