September 21, 2013

A Festival Celebrating the Harvest Season in Sparta, Michigan!

The Sparta Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the annual Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival in September. The Apple Festival is a family oriented event celebrating the harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables in grown in Sparta, Michigan.

2013 Harvest on the Ridge Sponsorship Form (PDF)

Craft Show Application 2013 (PDF)

Apple Queen Reunion Invitation 2013 (PDF)

As a gateway to “the Ridge“, a geographically prime and pristine area for growing fruits and vegetables, Sparta is a perfect place to find fresh picked and u-pick grown crops each Fall, follow color tours bursting with brilliant reds and yellows, and create a memory picking out your very own pumpkin to carve. In addition to the world class farmers markets and farm tours, the kids events, entertainments, and food makes the events downtown truly enjoyable. In addition, downtown Sparta will be the host of fun competitions, live music, kids games, and much more.

This year, the Harvest on the Ridge festival will have less to celebrate in the way of the bounty of the harvest due to the major freeze that wiped much of the fruit on The Ridge as it is a record low in fruit production.  However, Sparta festival organizers are even more dedicated to promoting the healthy benefits of eating locally grown produce and the impact our agricultural heritage has on our current local economy.  The effects of the lack of fruit in the region will be felt for years to come in the community, so it is even more important how to understand the trickle down effect of the Ag Industry and Ag Tourism Industry in Michigan.  Organizers say they look forward to providing a festival where the public can show support to local growers and businesses by promoting buying local produce, visiting local businesses, and participating in local events such as Harvest on the Ridge.  To see all of the harvest related things to do on The Ridge, visit www.OnTheFruitRidge.com.

Download the 2012 Harvest on the Ridge Festival Flier (PDF) for all of the event details!

2013 Registration Event Forms (coming soon!):

Buy a “Homegrown on the Ridge” T-shirt at the festival! Only $10 each! Or stop by Rogue River Credit Union to purchase your shirt before the festival.

• J. Couch Race Registration Form (PDF)
• William Tell Archery Competition Registration Form (PDF)
• Sparta Photo Club “PHOTO” Competition Entry Form (PDF)
• Apple Dessert & Apple Pie Contest Registration Form (PDF)
• Dirty Apple Obstacle Run Registration Form (PDF)