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AppleFest brings in a crowd to downtown Ashland

Ashland - crisp apples and crisp autumn air just naturally go together, even during the event on Saturday eighth annual Applefest in downtown Ashland.

The first was set by Ashland Inc. Downtown Applefest be a seasonal celebration to bring together families and friends in the city center to enjoy an Apple event theme that includes good food, entertainment, games and other activities.

The temperatures were perfect for a day in mid-October with the sun every so often advanced, and wind gusts ranging from non-existent.Predict in advance by IDA officials said that this year's event would be the best and, given the very high participation rate, these predictions proved correct.

The event began with the traditional prayer service with music by the Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil and the choir of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Ashland. The first performances were by the McCormick School of Irish dancing, with the owner Caitlin McCormick making 13 of his dance students to perform for the crowd.

"We're in our second year we grew to school girls from three to 15 students," said McCormick. "We are growing slowly but surely."

Applefest master of ceremonies and entertainment coordinator Henry "Hank" Ahrensfield is welcome at the event.

The show included performances by many Schuylkill County Idol, including 2011 winner Shaina Graff. Throughout the afternoon, "Hank Ahrensfield and Friends" has provided a variety of music to please the crowds.

The area where the food vendors were set up was difficult to pass through at a time with so many people have their favorites, including hot apple dumplings with or without ice cream and apple cider hot or cold.

In another area, there were children's games, face painting, pumpkin painting, bingo and the chance basket theme. "Joe the Magician" was walking around the area by doing magic tricks close-up for children and adults. The first limited edition Ashland Christmas ornament featuring the clock of the new town of the Fifth and Centre streets, was also sold for the first time.

The competition to eat an apple pie, now in its fourth year, has become the most popular activity, attracting a large crowd to watch the competitors bury their faces in apple pie topped with whipped cream.When run, the competitors must eat as much pie as possible, keeping their hands behind their backs, except for drinking water.

Ahrensfield was the judge, while Ashland Main Street Manager Gregory Fisher gave the ads play-by-play.

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