After 2007’s devastating freeze that destroyed nearly all of Lyon County’s apple crop, the Hetlinger Developmental Center’s orchard is flourishing, and the AppleFest will return this year and is seeking vendors for the September event.
The AppleFest, which began in 2006, was canceled last year because of the late spring freeze that destroyed the apple blossoms. This year, the trees are bursting with apples ripening and readying in time for the Sept. 20 festival.
While the AppleFest is still almost two months away, the Hetlinger center is already looking for vendors, said Stacey Flanner, communication and public relations assistant for center. Food, craft and other vendors are needed for the event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20.
The event will feature carnival games such as the duck pond, face painting, and of course — the apples.
Hetlinger, at 707 S. Commercial St., serves people with developmental disabilities. The orchard was planted in 1976, using an anonymous gift of $500. To this day, no one knows who donated the money for the trees. In 2006, Hetlinger began restoring the orchard and it exploded with fruit that year. There was so much fruit on the trees in 2006, many branches hung low to the ground and apples had to be stored in hallways before they were sold. This year, the trees also are bursting with fruit, and Flanner said things are looking good for the festival.
Apples will be sold at this year’s festival as well as apple wood, T-shirts made by Hetlinger clients, apple slushes and other apple products. The event is designed for the whole family and will include entertainment for the whole family, Flanner said.
For commercial vendors for AppleFest, the cost is $25 for a booth. For non-profit vendors, the cost is $15 a booth. Call Hetlinger at 342-1087 for booth information.
Because of parking limitations, aluminum-can recycling will not be offered at this year’s AppleFest.