Stafford AppleFest Returns Sept. 26 With Music, Food And Family Activities

STAFFORD, CT — Stafford AppleFest will return Saturday, Sept. 26, with a celebration of apples, local arts, food and the arrival of fall.

The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities taking place throughout downtown Stafford Springs, including Haymarket Common, Hyde Park, Main Street, the Stafford Historical Society and Grace Episcopal Church.

The event will feature seasonal baked goods, family activities, artisan vendors, handcrafted works, civic group displays, fall-inspired food and beverages, apple pressing demonstrations and live music.

Local businesses and shops in downtown Stafford Springs will also participate in the festivities, organizers said.

The Natural Disasters, a local trio performing Americana, bluegrass and roots music, will perform from 1 to 3 p.m.

Chainsaw artist KatCarves will also give a live demonstration, creating sculptures during the festival.

Apple-themed competitions will include apple pie-eating and donut-on-a-string contests for children and adults on the Spring Street Bridge. Apple peeling contests will be held at Haymarket Common.

Grace Episcopal Church will offer homemade apple pies and apple crumb, along with soups, warm lunches and beverages.

Merchant and food vendors, community organizations and businesses can apply to participate through Sept. 18. Organizers are also seeking volunteers.

More information about Stafford AppleFest is available at Explore Stafford CT AppleFest