By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Northborough’s annual Applefest showcases the true spirit of community as many organizations come together and sponsor family events throughout the weekend. This year the festival will be held Sept. 15-18.
The Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce 5K road race will be held Saturday, Sept. 17. The race steps off at the Marion E. Zeh Elementary School, 33 Howard St., at 10 a.m. Registration can be completed online at www.corridornine.org or on race day beginning at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $25 through Sept. 12. In addition, a Kids Adventure Race will be held for ages 11 and under with a registration fee of $10.
Kids can receive free fire hats as they visit the Northborough Fire Department during its Open House from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 11 Pierce St.
Members of the Northborough Junior Woman’s Club will be selling their famous apple pies and apple crisp at Trinity Church, 23 Main St., from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Current co-president and longtime Apple Pie Café volunteer Ruth Reeve said the prep part is a great time.
“Everyone gets together and sits around peeling apples and rolling pastry,” she said. “It’s a great volunteering activity after summer break and a chance to catch up with one another.”
Despite their making over a hundred each of pies and crisps, Reeve recommends you go early as they close when they run out of goods and they always end up closing early.
Friends of the Library will hold a sidewalk book sale from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and many afternoon activities are scheduled at the Historical Society including a display of flower arrangements from the Northborough Garden Club and a bake sale sponsored by the Northborough Art Guild.
The American Legion Post 234, 402 Main St., will host a chicken BBQ between 4-6 p.m. and tickets can be pre-purchased.
The athletic fields at Algonquin Regional High School, 67 Bartlett St., come alive at 4 p.m. where the Knights of Columbus and Northborough Challenger League will be grilling burgers and hotdogs. The entire family will find entertainment with moonwalks, a robotics show, pony rides and games.
Fifteen Girl Scout troops will offer carnival games geared to families and tickets will be sold at a small cost.
“Fundraising for Girl Scouts is usually independent – yard sales, cookie sales, or car washes,” said Northborough Girls Scouts Service Unit Manager Kendra Owen. “I’m excited to have all the troops come together and hope to continue being a part of Applefest every year.”
Live, high-energy classic rock music will be performed by the five member band Mixed Company. Although the band has been together less than a year, collectively its members have over 100 years of music experience.
Lead vocalist Michelle Gates promises great dance music. She is thrilled to be a part of Applefest especially as Northborough celebrates its 250th anniversary.
“There is something to be said about taking pride in your town’s history,” said Gates. “It’s an opportunity to pull everyone together and see how far they’ve come and where they are going.”
The band plays in many local venues and private parties but she is excited for the opportunity to play outdoors to a large group of people. The band is scheduled to play from 4 – 7:30 p.m.
The day will close with a spectacular fireworks display.
Applefest Committee Chair Michelle Gillespie wants to remind everyone that the parking lot does fill quickly for the Saturday evening activities and people should plan accordingly. A $10 parking fee will be collected by volunteers.
Applefest, Inc., is a volunteer-run event that relies on donations from residents and businesses to support the four-day event including the fireworks. Donations can be made online at www.northboroughapplefest.com. Information on all Applefest events can be found on the website, or on their Twitter or Facebook page.
