'An Apple of a Time'

Despite a rainy beginning Friday night, the 43rd Apple Harvest Festival blossomed nicely this weekend with food, rides and entertainment.

"I couldn't be happier with how things have gone so far, considering the weather forecast," Apple Harvest Festival Committee Chairman Christopher Palmieri said. "We've had great crowds, people stuck around before and after the fair, and the entertainment has been great."

The weekend featured activities like an adult and children's road race, apple pie eating contests and the popular bed race event. Kids and families took advantage of carnival rides like the merry-go-round and pirate ship while enjoying fair favorites like fried dough and cheeseburgers.

And of course, there was never a shortage of people waiting in line for a chance to get Apple Fritters and Apple Crisp.

Eight year-old Caleb Monahan said his favorite memory so far was go on the ferris wheel for the first time and eating not one, but three cheese dogs.

"I like the rides and the cotton candy the best," Caleb said. "I wish we could ride them all day."

Led by parade marshal Lucy Leach, Sunday's parade — always one of the most attended events of the festival — drew thousands as groups like the Southington YMCA, Faith Living Church and area schools  marched and waved to eager onlookers.

While many local families make the Apple Harvest Festival their destination each year, former residents like Jocelyn Barker made her family's visit home purposefully around "apple time."

"My husband isn't from New England, so I always wanted him to experience the Apple Harvest," Barker said. "It's such a fun time, and of course it's all about the fritters."

Next weekend will feature arts and crafts and Harvest the Arts festivities, which include art competitions and free activities for kids and adults. The fireworks display was cancelled Saturday and will take place this Saturday, Oct. 8 at 9 p.m.