The 28th annual Weston Applefest will kick off this Saturday with a parade through downtown Weston.
Applefest runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 and costs a $1 donation for adults. Kids age 15 and younger are free. More information and a full schedule are available at westonmo.com.
Shuttle buses will begin at 9 a.m. to ensure visitors get a spot for the 10 a.m. parade on Main Street, which will feature antique tractors, classic cars, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles as well as marching bands. After the parade, more than 60 art and craft booths — in addition to Weston’s downtown shops — will be open for business.
The popular mini hay baler will be back for its 26th year, with demonstrations and tiny bales for sale. Apple butter will be made on site and children can learn to press apples to make apple cider.
Activities for children include pony rides, face painting, a straw bale maze, pumpkin painting, balloon art and interactive and educational agriculture games in the downtown city park.
Tasty apple fun is provided by Weston churches, selling apple dumplings, pies and cookies. The Applefest food court will be open both days, as well as Weston’s downtown restaurants.
Live entertainment will kick off at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 with Mr. Stinky Feet — Jim Cosgrove — performing on the food court stage. Other Saturday musical entertainment includes zydeco music from Earnest James at 2 p.m. and the Knob Town Skiffle Band will perform at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 2, Uncle Baccy Juice performs at noon; Under the Big Oak Tree at 2 p.m.; and Kevin Corbett and Old School at 4 p.m.
There will be no parking in downtown for Applefest attendees, but satellite parking will be available at several locations along Highway 45. The Bee Creek Shelter at Weston Bend State Park and Snow Creek Ski Area will be the primary parking lots, with handicapped parking available at Snow Creek. Overflow parking will be at the ball fields at the Iatan Power Plant.
There will be attendants available at the lots to answer questions.
Highway JJ will be open to access the Holladay Distillery and Eventful at Locust Grove. Welt Street will be open to access Green Dirt Farm Creamery. Spring Street from Washington Street and beyond will be closed and due to construction on Washington there will be no driving or parking there.
Walking on Washington is not recommended due to construction.