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NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — It's been a tough year for Applefest.
First, the festival's annual parade was cancelled due to the ongoing contstruction on Main Street, while the rest of the event was moved to the parking lot at Algonquin Regional High School.
Then, earlier this week the town decided to postpone all evening activities and sports in response to the threat from mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus and EEE. That meant that the much-anticipated fireworks show and barbecue were cancelled. In addition, many outdoor activities were moved indoors.
Applefest Committee Chairman Michelle Gillespie worried that the cancellations and the well-publicized mosquito threat may hurt turnout.
"Some people might just stay away," she said. "We're hoping that won't happen."
Many small community groups use Applefest as an opportunity to raise money, Gillespie added. She mentioned the Knights of Columbus, who typically run the barbecue and raise funds there.
"That's a hug loss not only to them, but also to the people they raise money for," she said.
Still, there are reasons to be positive. This year's Applefest, sponsored by Lowe's Variety and Meat Market, features a variety of daytime events. The Northborough Daily Voice highlights a few below:
- Applefest Bake-Off: With a name like Applefest, you should expect apple pie. And possibly apple crisp. Actually, there will be a whole array of baked goods entered into this year's bake-off, each containing apples as the main ingredient. There are four categories this year, including a diabetic-friendly category for sugar-free entries. The contest will be held at noon on Friday, Sept. 14, with three community leaders judging. Entries are due at 10:30 a.m. at the Northborough Senior Center.
- Applefest 5K Road Race: The race, an Applefest mainstay, is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. It will begin and end at the Zeh School at 33 Howard Street. Prizes are awarded to winners in the following divisions: 12 and under, 13–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70 and over.
- Classic Car Show: Held in the Northborough Shopping Plaza on Sunday, Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon, the show is expected to feature over 100 cars, according to show organizer Alan Archibald. Look for hot rods and muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s. At the end of the show, the cars will embark on a parade through town.
- Greater Northborough Has Talent: Don't miss this show, held at the Algonquin Regional High School auditorium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.
For a complete schedule of events, visit the Applefest website.
Comments (1)
Don't forget the Apple Pie Cafe hosted by the Northboro Junior Woman's club. This year you will find us serving the best apple pies and crisps, with or without a scoop of vanilla ice cream at Algonquin Regional High School, between 9a.m - 2pm ( or as long as we have goods to sell). A portion of the proceeds supports a variety of community projects sponsored by NJWC.