By Donald McBrayer

In 1978 the St. Augustine’s Home and School Club hatched an idea for a church bizarre. It would feature a handful of games for  kids, a booth for hamburgers and fries, and some music by local artists. They gave it the name “Applefest” and a tradition was born. In recent years the Applefest has grown to become Peru’s most anticipated event drawing in thousands from the North Country to enjoy a weekend of music, fun, and fritters.

The Applefest raises around $25,000 each year, which is used for local needs and outreach programs administered through St. Augustine’s Parish.

Two of the largest draws are the parade on Saturday starting at 11:00AM, and the K of C Chicken BBQ on Sunday starting at noon. This year’s Applefest promises to be the biggest and best Applefest since our start in 1977. There is a ton of activities to thrill the entire family. Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll find this year:

• Live Bands featuring: Back Porch Band, Castaways, and Bootleg

• HUGE Clothing Sale (St.Vincent de Paul)

• HUGE Craft Fair featuring dozens of vendors

• Cotton Candy & Popcorn

• Sausage & Peppers

• Bake Sale

• Fried Dough & Apple Fritters

• Michigans, Hamburgers, & French Fries

• Pony Rides by Ernie Guerin

• Merriloons the Clown

• 2 HUGE Inflatable Obstacle Courses for the Kids

• Plant Sale

• Pull Tabs

• Games of Chance

• Chinese Auction

• MUCH MUCH MORE!

 

This Year’s Event Schedule:

Saturday Lineup

Parade – 11:00 am (including Parade Entertainment on grounds immediately following)

Back Porch Band – 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Castaways – 3:30 to 5:30 pm

Tim’s Tunes throughout the day

Sunday Lineup

Chicken BBQ – Noon (take out available) (Sponsored by the KofC #7273)

Josee Allard – 11:30 to 1:00 pm

Bootleg – 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Sunday Evening – 6:00 pm

Grand Prize & Quilt Drawing

(need not be present to win)

Early Bird Drawing – $500 Cash Prize

 

For more information visit: http://d1091839.domain.com/applefest/

Or find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Augustines-Applefest-Peru-NY/116583501701848