By Justin Saglio, Community Reporter
Northborough – A talent show and dog exhibition are among the new features of this year's Applefest celebration, which will commence Friday, Sept. 16, in Northborough's downtown area.
In its 21st year, Applefest is a means to bring community members together, according to Applefest Chair Michelle Gillespie.
“It builds community spirit along with helping to promote some of the local businesses,” she said.
For the first time in its history the Applefest Parade will include a dog exhibition, where proud owners will be able to display their pets to the crowd. The parade is scheduled for noon Saturday, Sept. 17, on Main Street in Northborough.
“If the dog parade is successful, we might expand on that and do a dog show,” Gillespie said.
Northborough Has Talent, a community talent show featuring 21 acts, will take place at Algonquin Regional High School beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16.
A 20-member committee has met regularly since January to plan the Applefest event, which typically draws over 4,000 community members, according to Gillespie.
“I think it is important for people to come out not only to support Northborough's heritage, but to support the local businesses,” Gillespie said.
On Sept. 17, at the Street Fair, Blake Street will host dozens of vendors, where food and other goods will be sold.
In addition, for the first time, many large corporations are participating in the festival as businesses move into the recently built shopping mall on Route 20 in Northborough. Stores opening later this year including Wegmans and EMS will have stands on Blake Street to promote their businesses.
“Usually you don's see those types of corporations getting involved,” Gillespie said. “They are really trying to tap into the community.”
A local rock group performing under the name 3MF will play to crowds gathered for a barbecue at Northborough's Ellsworth/McAfee Park on Route 135. The barbecue will feature horse rides, a robotics show and apple desserts.
Runners will dash through Northborough's suburban roads in a 5k road race that will begin at Zeh School at 10 a.m. Sept. 17. Prizes will be given to the fastest time in a variety of age groups.
This year's Grand Marshal, Martha Michalewich, was selected for her contributions to the community and her long history as a Northborough resident. Michalewich has lived in the town for the last 37 years and she has been an active volunteer at the Junior Woman's Club and at Trinity Church, according to the Applefest website.
For more details on all of the weekend's events, go to http://northboroughapplefest.com.