Sean Allen
BRANT NEWS

St. George Apple Fest has become such a draw that the village’s population often swells by 10 times for two days every September.

But even with the bustle that can accompany such a large crowd, St. George residents welcome the visitors with open arms year after year.

“We like St. George and we want everybody else to like it, too,” organizing committee member Jean Tucker said.

A committee of about a dozen dedicated organizers lead more than 50 volunteers during the weekend to handle up to 25,000 people filling the streets of St. George. The annual festival was held on Saturday and Sunday in the County of Brant village.

During its 28 years in existence, Apple Fest has blossomed from a couple of apple vendors along Main Street to an event that takes over most of the village.

“We have more than 120 vendors on the street and in two parks,” Tucker said. “It really has grown.”

County of Brant Coun. Steve Schmitt was part of the group that helped organize the first Apple Fest.

“It’s something that started so small and was built into something so huge,” Schmitt said. “So many people have worked to make this happen year after year.”

The annual pie sale held by St. George United Church and St. George Baptist Church sold out of its 1,100 pies by 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

Besides vendors selling apple cider, apple pies, apple crisp, apple cake, apple crumble, candy apples and just plain apples, vendors also included artists, clothing distributors and others.

On-stage entertainment included the Grand River Cloggers, Paris-Port Dover Pipe Band and a square dancing demonstration. For kids, Apple Fest included bouncy castles, pony rides and a birds of prey demonstration.