SPARTA, Mich. — Downtown Sparta is hosting its annual Michigan Apple Fest Friday and Saturday. The Fest celebrates Michigan’s plentiful crop of – you guessed it – apples!
“Sparta is the gateway to ‘the ridge’... a geographical area in West Michigan,” Sparta’s Downtown Development Director Elizabeth Morse said. “It's particular to growing really great crops, and it is full of thousands of acres of apple orchards, so Sparta is right on the edge of that.”
Pop-up artisan markets, an apple pie eating contest, apple peeling competitions and cider tasting are just a few of the many activities. The festival is also family-friendly with fall-themed activities and hayrides for everyone to enjoy.
"Of course, our amazing restaurants will be open and serving," she said. "We're a social district, so you can grab all kinds of specialty harvest and apple drinks that the restaurants are making special for this weekend, and walk around downtown Sparta with it."
Admission is free so attendees can walk around downtown and visit vendor booths and activities at no cost.
Legend Johnny Appleseed will also be doing several shows during the fest.
“Johnny Appleseed will tell us about how his adventures started and where he is now, and what he's up to,” Morse said. “No matter when you come there's something to do, and definitely something to check out for all ages.”
The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, and again from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. For more information on this weekend's full Apple Fest itinerary, click here.