Big Apple Bash

Apple Extravaganza Hits Sparta: Michigan Apple Fest Returns Sept. 20 & 21
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Volunteers serve up cider at Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta. Courtesy photo.

Get ready for a crisp, apple-filled weekend as Sparta welcomes the highly anticipated Michigan Apple Fest on September 20 and 21. Taking place in downtown Sparta, this exciting event will showcase everything that makes apples a beloved fruit in Michigan.

The festival will kick off on Friday evening and continue throughout Saturday, transforming downtown Sparta into a hub of apple-themed activities, from delicious food to engaging games and lively entertainment.

Situated next to Fruit Ridge, an area renowned for its top-notch apple production, this festival will highlight the diverse uses and flavors of this iconic fruit. Attendees can look forward to a packed schedule celebrating apples in all their glory.

One standout event will be the Apple Sling Shot Contest. Participants of all skill levels will have the chance to test their aim by slinging apples into the creek. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy a classic fall fruit and engage in some friendly competition.

A no-utensils apple pie eating contest is one of the many fun-filled activities on the docket for Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta, Sept. 20 and 21. Courtesy photo.

Adding a touch of royalty to the event, the Michigan Apple Queen will be on hand to distribute fresh Michigan apples, offering a taste of the state’s finest produce. For those eager to put their eating skills to the test, the Adult Apple Pie Eating Contest will be a highlight, with participants diving face-first into their pie plates while keeping their hands behind their backs.

Cider enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Michigan Cider Association’s hard cider tasting experience, featuring a selection of ciders made from locally picked apples across West Michigan. This is a great opportunity to savor the rich, diverse flavors of Michigan’s cider offerings.

The festival will also feature a special guest: the real Johnny Appleseed. He will host several 25-minute shows, sharing stories from his legendary adventures of planting apple trees across the land. It’s a charming way to connect with the historical roots of apple cultivation.

In addition to these attractions, festival-goers can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, explore dozens of artisan vendors, and participate in a variety of kids’ crafts, games, and rides. For those curious about different apple varieties, a taste-testing station will compare the sweet notes of Sweet Tango apples with the crispness of Honey Crisps and the subtle flavors of Galas.

Live music will keep the atmosphere lively throughout the festival, with The 6 Pak Band providing a dynamic soundtrack to the apple festivities.

Mark your calendars and come hungry for apples and adventure. The Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta promises to be a memorable celebration of all things apple, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

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