THE Donnybrook Apple Festival is back again this weekend, with the town set to welcome more than 10,000 people from around the South West and beyond to the iconic fresh produce event.
The festival turns 60 this year and marks the 39th time it has been held, with this year being the 29th to be held in Donnybrook.
The highlight of Egan Park festival’s Fresh Produce Tent will be the chance to taste local fruit and other produce as well as video displays of various fruit farming processes.
Beyond the fruit and vegetables, the festival will give punters the chance to watch and take part in log chopping, agriculture and machinery displays, wine tasting, live music, animal exhibits, a street parade, market stalls and a fireworks display on Saturday night.
For the kids, the festival is serving up face painting, pony rides, sideshow games, as well as a range of further free activities.
Saturday’s main stage highlights include performances from country music singer-songwriter Kate Hindle, Donnybrook District High School Band and reggae-funk band Skeleton Jump.
Sunday’s stand-out event will be the street parade, followed by performances from various bands and solo artists.
The kids stage and marquee will include demonstrations from Scitech, storytelling, craft activities and a comedy-magic show.
The festival is recognising 2014 as the International Year of the Family Farm and it will focus on raising awareness of farming families and the importance of buying locally grown produce.
Gates will swing open from 10am on Saturday and Sunday, with Saturday’s celebrations running into the night for an 8.30pm finish, while the festival will wrap up on Sunday at 4pm.
Weather conditions are expected to be fairly good for this weekend’s event, with partly cloudy conditions and comfortable maximums in the mid-20s.
Children aged up to 16 will get free entry if accompanied by an adult, whereas unaccompanied children will pay $6 and adults $12.
