Applefest adds four new events to its schedule

By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer

Northborough – The Applefest Committee has announced four new family events will be added to its schedule for the annual fall festival Thursday, Sept. 13, to Sunday, Sept. 16.

The Church of the Nativity, 45 Howard St., will host its FallFest Saturday, 12 – 4 p.m. Headlining the activities are a storyteller, touch-a-truck area, petting zoo and face painting. Local crafters will be selling handmade items, framed photography and essential oils.

Food vendors, a fall-themed photo booth, basket raffles and a local author book signing are also part of the afternoon. A list of vendors can be found at http://churchofthenativity.org/fall-festival-applefest.

Trinity Church, 23 Main St., will offer two fun days of activities on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday’s schedule includes the popular Northboro Junior Woman’s Club Apple Pie Café, crafters and a thrift shop. Sunday will feature live music, open mic, a BBQ lunch and carnival games. Additional info can be found at www.trinitynorthborough.org.

The Northborough Cultural Council (NCC) is hosting its first Culture Fest of Music & Arts on Sunday from 12 – 4:15 p.m. at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 40 Church St. The free event will include live music, dance, a visual art gallery, a junior artist exhibit, a kids’ corner and food trucks representing the cultural and ethnic mix of the community.

“We are excited to bring the first Culture Fest during Applefest weekend where we share joy through celebration of arts, music and food,” said NCC Chair Selvi Oyola. “We envision that this fest will provide a platform to connect people.”

Hometown talents including Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli, Ed Harlow’s Soular Jazz, and the Chambersingers from Assabet Valley Mastersingers will perform, as well as greater Boston’s Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and Indian dances from Shaila School of Dance.

Paintings of Lisa Hayden, quilts of Terry Crean, the work of multi-media artist Ted Lilley, Terri Ton’s travel photography, and nature photography by Brendon Curtis will be showcased in the visual art gallery. Junior Art Exhibitors include Olivia Kardos and Ellie Ouano, as well as submissions for the Northborough Education Foundation (NEF) Scholarship Art Contest.

Live caricature drawings by Mary Hanley, henna tattoos and arts and crafts will also be featured.

Volunteers ages 12 and up, as well as additional junior art exhibitors are still needed. If interested, email [email protected].

Hays Funeral Home owner and licensed funeral director Jeff Koopman and registered funeral assistant Rachel Koopman will be holding a kid-focused activity on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 56 Main St. Kids can meet and take a photo with Snow White, play games and work on a craft.

“We want families to realize that we are a part of the community year-round, not only at a time of need,” said Rachel Koopman. “We are humbled and honored to have received so many warm welcomes. We look forward to our day-to-day interactions with the community.”

The most up-to-date Applefest schedule can be viewed at http://northboroughapplefest.com.