Near perfect weather drew a large crowd to the Salem Chamber of Commerce Apple Fest at the Marion County Fairgrounds on Saturday.
Chamber Executive Director Jessiycka Nix-Coleman was pleased.
“Apple Fest was a huge success. Growth over last year. We already have gotten really good feedback from our vendors on all the extra traffic, the bigger event, and how it expanded. People visiting were super excited to share that they were able to stop in, shop, and see all the new events, food vendors, and regular vendors we have here this year.”
Nix-Coleman hopes to see the event keep growing with more vendors and activities since they have room to expand at the fairgrounds.
This year has also been a good one for the fruit crops. Adam Smith who along with his wife recently purchased Schwartz Orchard in Centralia was busy selling his apple products during Apple Fest.
“The apple crop was heavier than it has been in history from what I understand from my uncle Tom Swartz and we have had a really good harvest. All the apples look very good. And our strawberries and peaches look great too so this was a really good year for growing.”
The Apple Wars Desert Contest was won by Katrina Sluder of Handmade with Love by K. She entered a giant apple pie cinnamon roll. Liz Logue of Helia Health Care who entered apple dumplings was second and Ariel Upchurch of Iuka and Sam Cross of Salem were third with their Apple Rose Puffs.
The winner of the Apple Wars Desert contest Katrina Sluder of Dix with her Giant Apple Pie Cinamon Role.
Adam Smith talks to customers as he sells Apples and apple products.
Up All Night STL performs at Apple Fest.
The Ghost Busters were on hand for photos and maybe to talk a little about ghosts.
The Daffy Dill Garden Club was doing a brisk business in plants at Apple Fest.
Crowds gathered under the picnic tent and around the various booths at Apple Fest.
