Circle K Orchard to host annual Apple Festival this weekend

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BELDENVILLE--Less than 50 people attended the first Circle K Orchard Apple Festival in 1989.

Twenty years later, orchard owner Wilson Mills estimated this year’s festival, which will be held this Saturday and Sunday, should draw between 3,000-5,000 people.

“It seems like yesterday when we first started it,” he explained. “One of the things I think that has caused the growth is the tradition of it. When we go to markets, people I don’t even know ask when the festival is.”

And one of the main goals of the festival when it first originated still holds true today.

“Our goal has always been to make this a family-oriented event,” Mills said. “We keep our costs down and no alcohol is served.”

The 2009 edition, which runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, will be a collection of the best vendors or exhibits that have received the warmest reception, Mills said. Included in that list will be a Civil War encampment, pony rides, exotic petting zoo, kids’ rides, children’s games, assorted food stands, a custom furniture maker and hay wagon rides during which visitors will get a narrated tour of the orchard from area natives Jon Setala and Dave Heigre.

For more please read the Sept. 16 print version of the Herald.

Tags: local news, apple festival, news, beldenville