Apple Festival: Last Weekend in September
August 25, 2009 by DDA
Filed under Events, Sparta TODAY Newspaper
Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival: September 25 & 26, 2009
Sparta’s new Apple Festival, called Harvest on the Ridge is scheduled for the last weekend in September and organizers say there are more than just a few things for your family to enjoy. Friday, September 25th includes Kids Harvest Bouncers (large blow up play equipment), Michigan beer and Michigan wine tasting tent, Live Music entertainment, and more. On Saturday, the Sizzlin’ BBQ Contest held in downtown Sparta will be an attraction for locals and visitors alike to experience the sights and delicious smells of a semi-professional BBQ Contest! The Sparta Sizzlin’ BBQ Contest is a Michigan State Championship Site and Kansas City BBQ Society event.
The winner will be qualified to be invited to the Jack Daniels Invitational and The American Royal BBQ Contest. Everyone can try some of the professionally made BBQ’s as sandwiches and other BBQ food will be available for purchase. In addition to this mouth watering event, downtown Sparta will be the host of the Art in the Park Show, to purchase the handmade works of local artists. The Art Show is a place where one can sell their creative works or purchase a new piece of art in Rogers Park.
Live music will kick off Friday night and follow through starting on Saturday morning at 11 am with the Guinness Brothers Band featuring classic and popular rock-n-roll, oldies, and favorites. Special guest appearances will also be performing throughout the day.
An “Official” Apple Pie contest will also be underway in Balyeat Field. Registration details and rules for the Apple Pie competition can be found at www.spartachamber.com. Another new contest as part of the festival includes the Sparta Scarecrow Contest. The Scarecrow Contest will take place the weekend of the festival and awards announced on Saturday afternoon. Scarecrows will be hung downtown on light posts for everyone to see for the weekend. Pre-registration is required and details can be found at www.spartachamber.com.
Farm Market Tours will be on Saturday at local markets including beginning at 9:00 am. A special highlight will be the tour of a packing-shed where the apples are sorted, weighed, washed, and packaged for sale at local grocery stores.
As Sparta is the hub of the apple growing ridge, it’s easy to see how the excitement of the festival has grown over the past few months. Organizer Dana Quick exclaims, “One thing led to another that led to another! The volunteers of the community are working together to show the Mid-west why Sparta is such as fabulous place to live!” The event has grown leaps and bounds, says Dana, but began as a small committee to help promote Sparta’s distinguishing factor, something that other communities are probably wishing they had right about now. “Agriculture”, Dana says, “and tourism are two of the three top industries in Michigan. We can promote our community through agri-tourism, one of few growing fields in Michigan.” The Sparta Chamber is working hard to promote the importance of supporting and eating Michigan grown produce as well as supporting local businesses in the community. “Without our local growers, our community would lose our identity and our uniqueness. The hay fields, corn fields, and apple orchards are what make our area so distinct and beautiful.” After many discussions with local community members, Dana remembers sitting at coffee one morning and imagining what the Harvest on the Ridge festival could be. “Local growers are excited, the community is excited, this is the perfect place and time to celebrate our agricultural roots and promote our community through the new festival.”
In addition to the activities listed above there are many other events taking place. A program will be printed and can be found in local stores or online at www.spartachamber.com.