Here are the top 4 things to do at Chambersburg's AppleFest
Ashley BooksCHAMBERSBURG - Step aside, pumpkins! It's apple time in Franklin County.
The 38th annual AppleFest will return to the streets of downtown Chambersburg this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thousands of people are expected to come to the area for the fun activities, ranging from shopping for unique gifts to trying a baked apple treat. The event, hosted by the Downtown Business Council of Chambersburg, usually draws around 8,000 attendees, according to the organization's event coordinator, Lisa Myers. Last year, however, saw about 2,000 more due to the beautiful weather.
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Those planning to go to this year's event could see some showers. According to the National Weather Service in State College, cloudy skies are expected Saturday with a 30 percent chance of rain and a high near 60 degrees.
Before heading out to join the festivities, find out what activities you won't want to miss at this year's festival.
Browse through the craft vendors
AppleFest-goers can check out more than 150 craft vendors for gifts and other one-of-a-kind items. In addition to last year's vendor areas, Myers said this year will have another block of vendors and artists on Lincoln Way East.
"Our festival has grown," she continued.
The event will only feature handmade crafts, according to Myers. There will be no commercial or direct sales on the streets, except for members of the business council with shops downtown. The vendors will also have something for everyone, such as jewelry, wooden bowls, utensils and furniture, dog treats, doll clothing, pottery, wreaths and other arrangements, and pumpkin and Christmas decor.
Take the little ones to the kids section
Younger AppleFest-goers can head over to the special kids section, where they can take a ride down the giant inflatable slide, provided by AE Bounce House Rentals. Children can also try their hand at tennis at the Central PA Junior Team Tennis miniature court, or watch a demonstration from Wilson College's gymnastics dance group. If that isn't enough, little ones can also get a free balloon character by Characters with Character.
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Watch local talent on the entertainment stage
For the first time in AppleFest's history, the event will feature local performers.
Myers said in the past, it has had a radio station in the area provide the talent. But, organizers this year decided to include young entertainers from around the county.
"They're good, but it's not really a draw," she continued. "Where, this way I think the local entertainment's families and friends will come to see their kids perform."
Attendees can watch a variety of performances from the local high school jazz band and steel drums band, as well as local dance groups like the Chambersburg Ballet. In between acts, the radio station will be on hand to stream music for everyone in the crowd.
Eat some apples!
No AppleFest visit is complete without sampling some of the delicious apple treats available from the food vendors. Several bakers from as close as the local farmer's market and as far away as Newville will offer goodies like apple pie, apple dumplings and apple bread, according to Myers. After indulging, attendees can then cool off with an apple cider slushie, which will be available for the first time ever at the event.
"Always an apple dumpling. I've got to have an apple dumping," Myers said, adding that she also enjoys the caramel apples from Olympia Candy Kitchen.
For those who want more variety, they can walk over to the food court which will have more than 20 vendors. Attendees are sure to find something they like with options like burgers, hot dogs and fries, Mediterranean dishes, pizza and Stromboli, barbecue, crab cakes, and ice cream and Italian ice.
Have a story or want to submit a tip? Contact Ashley Books at 717-262-4764 or email abooks@gannett.com.
If you go:
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
Where: Streets of downtown Chambersburg
Fees: The event is free and open to the public, but some activities do have a cost.
Street closures: Main Street will be closed from King Street to Washington Street, and Lincoln Way will be closed from Second Street to Spring Street. Parking is available near Main Street on both sides. To view a complete list of public parking lots, visit downtownchambersburgpa.com/parking.
More info: facebook.com/ChambersburgAppleFest
