Locust Run Church brings everything apples Saturday
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THOMPSONTOWN -- How do you like them apples? Fresh? Baked in pies? Pressed to make fresh cider? Are you drooling yet (We know you are)? However you like them, they likely have them at the 12th Annual Locust Run Church Apple Fest.
Locust Run Church, located at 25 Locust Run Road, Thompsontown, hosts the annual event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
"We're hoping for a nice day and a good time," said Terry Dressler, events coordinator at the church. "Last year, it rained and was dreary."
The Apple Fest is certainly known for its apple pies as there are 15 entries in the apple pie contest (bakers don't forget to have your pies at the church by 9 a.m.).
Of course, the apple pie contest is a fan favorite, especially since the winning pie and other baked goods are available to eat for a donation.
Attendees can also watch as fresh cider is made on site. It can be purchased, too.
"You can watch it being made," Dressler said. "People can bring their own jug if they want some." Gallons are $5, with a limit of one per family. Donations collected for the cider benefit the Juniata County Food Pantry.
In addition to all of the delightful apple specialties, festival goers will find mums, pumpkins and gourds for sale. There will also be a variety of vendors and a craft and food flea market.
Among the other highlights will be an apple crafted by wood lathe artist Francis Ranck, of Thompsontown. Ranck is a member of the Locust Run Church and graciously donated a homemade apple as he does every year. This year's apple will go home with the winning of the apple pie contest.
Indulge yourself with a free lunch, which will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with hot dogs, chili and a drink while the food lasts. Monies from the baked goods table benefits the church's mission projects.
The church's Apple Festival started out as a neighborhood outreach, but it has certainly blossomed into one of the community's most popular fall events.
Dressler said more vendors will attend this year's event than ever before. "This year we have a record 18 vendors," she said.
Vendor set-up at the event is free. For more information or to reserve a spot, call (717) 736-6668.