The apple harvest is in, now the celebration is about to begin. On Saturday October 16, some 30,000 people are expected to stroll Bowmanville’s main street for a tasty seasonal celebration that features all things apple.

Archibald Orchards is already baking hundreds of apple dumplings to serve with caramel sauce. Kathy Cochrane was just taking this tray of pastry-wrapped apples filled with cinnamon and brown sugar, ready to be served with a hot caramel sauce. Dumplings draw long lineups on Apple Fest day. “Last year we made 500 and they were all gone by 2 o’clock,” said Sandy Archibald. “This year we’re making 800.” But with nice weather predicted for the weekend, crowds are bound to be large so you had best plan on arriving early. Also on the menu: deep fried apple fritters prepared by Knox Christian High School and cider doughnuts cooked by the folks at Tyrone Mill, as well as goodies from other orchards.

Ten bands perform at 5 sites and upwards of 60 craft vendors will be selling quality handmade goods. Children’s rids, a visiting camel from Bowmanville Zoo, chainsaw carving and apple pie baking contests round out the fun.