NEW PARIS — New Paris celebrated its annual Apple Fest last weekend. The annual apple-themed festival ran from Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Sept. 24. It featured contests, numerous apple-products, and a special Battle of the Bands.
The festival kicked off on Friday with the crowing of Apple Fest royalty. There were positions available for: King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Jonny Appleseed, Apple Dumpling, and Mr. and Mrs. Apple Fest. The only application sent in this year was for Apple Fest Princess from Leah Frazier.
Frazier was crowed Apple Fest Princess. She is 11 years old and in the sixth grade at National Trail. She is on the cheerleading squad and is a part of Winter Guard. According to Fraizer, her favorite apple-product is apple dumplings.
As Apple Fest Princess, Frazier was responsible for handing awards, riding in the parade, and greeting visitors at the festival.
Following the royalty ceremony, the Battles of the Bands finale began. The first round was held on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, at the American Legion, with 12 different bands performing throughout the evening. The top five bands were chosen to compete during Apple Fest.
The following bands advanced to the finale: Change of Hearts, Poundsalt, Misunderstood, Higher Ground, and Fire and Ice.
Those bands returned during the Apple Fest to fight for first, second, and third place — which all received cash prizes. After putting on a fantastic show, the winners were decided based on their “technical performance.” The committee did not want the contest to become a “popularity contest.”
Change of Hearts won third place, Fire & Ice won second place, and Poundsalt won first place.
On Saturday the the New Paris Bicentennial and Apple Fest parade was held, and Gary Sandy served as Grand Marshal. On Saturday there was also bounce houses, games, bingo, a petting zoo, demonstrations, music by DJ Bill Floyd, an apple baking contest, a cake auction, a pie eating contest, live music, and a beard contest.
The Kiwanis Classic Car Show was also held on Saturday.
To close out the festival there was a community church service on Sunday in the entertainment tent. Vendor booths were once again open and live music played throughout the day. Sunday also included a Classic Tractor Show.
The New Paris Area Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau extends “thank yous” to all involved in making the festival a success.
”We thank all of this years sponsors, vendors, participants, and volunteers who helped with the 2017 Bicentennial and Apple Fest Celebration. Special thanks also to our Platinum Sponsors: Reid Health, Reid Health Alliance, Wallace Heating & Air, and Hometown Comfort,” the group noted.
