Apple Fest returns

OAK HARBOR — A beloved apple-themed festival returns this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce will host the 44th-annual Apple Festival in downtown Oak Harbor, 161 W Water St. The festival celebrates the harvest season and attracts thousands of attendees. In addition to a variety of events, the festival includes more than 120 craft, food and retail vendors. Rides and games will be in the Mill Street Parking Lots. Before the official festival begins, the Apple Festival baking contest will happen at the Oak Harbor Municipal Building, 150 W. Main St. Judging will occur at 7 p.m. The festivities kick off on Saturday with the opening ceremony on the main stage at 9:30 a.m. The royalty contest will begin and winners of Friday night's baking competition will be announced at 9:45 a.m. The baked goods from the contest will be sold at 10:30 a.m. on the main stage and on Church Street. At 11:30 a.m., the candy apple cutie contest will take place on the main stage. Babies and toddlers dressed as characters from the cartoon strip "Peanuts" will be judged in a costume contest. The Paulette Weirich Memorial Grand Parade will begin at 2 p.m. The parade includes twirlers, marching bands, festival royalty and local businesses. Visiting royalty will be introduced on the main stage at 3:30 p.m. At 4 p.m., parade awards will be announced on the main stage and the beer garden will open. A cornhole tournament will begin in the Croghan Colonial National Bank parking lot. Teams of two can register before the tournament begins. From 6-8 p.m., Estranged Fire Arts will take over the main stage. The show involves multiple performers working with fire. At 8 p.m., the entertainment tent will host a dance and live music from The Junk. Attendees must be 21 and over. On Sunday, the festival begins with the Apple Run events at the Oak Harbor High School cross country course, 601 N. Benton St. The run for children ages 8 and under begins at 8:30 a.m., the 9-to-14-year-old category at 9 a.m. and the open 5K run/walk at 9:30 a.m. Those who still need to register can do so from 7:30-8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, Shoreline Church will host outdoor worship services on the main stage. Services will be followed by the Praise Hymn band until 1:30 p.m. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Portage Fire Department, 240 W. Water St., will host an open house. Kids can participate in free crafts between 12:30-2:30 p.m. From noon to 4 p.m., the Apple Festival Car Show will happen at Oak Harbor High School, 11661 W. Ohio 163. The first 250 registrants will receive dash plaques. The show welcomes cars, trucks and motorcycles. Awards will be announced at 3:30 p.m. From noon to 2 p.m., Oak Harbor Middle School, 315 N. Church St., will host tours with a presentation at 1 p.m. At 2 p.m., Class A Dance Studio will host a performance on the main stage. The Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools' Choirs will follow at 3:30 p.m. Attendees can park at Oak Harbor High School, 11661 W. Ohio 163, and take a shuttle to the festival for $1. Visit oakharborapplefestival.com for more information, Want to go? What: The 44th annual Apple Festival Where: 161 W. Water St. Oak Harbor When: Various times on Saturday and Sunday