Mars festival grows out of an apple crate
MARS — In the early 1980s, the owners of the orchard near Treesdale had more apples than they could sell.
Since they needed to get rid of the apples, they donated them to the Mars Chamber of Commerce. The chamber put all of the apples in a large crate on the corner of Pittsburgh Street and Grand Avenue, where the citizens of Mars could pick apples as they wished.
In 1984, five local business owners decided it was time to turn this into a tradition, but they knew they couldn't stop at just apples. They wanted to feature apple pie, apple cider, apple turnovers, apple dumplings and anything else that could be made from apples.
On Saturday, hundreds of people roamed the streets of downtown Mars for the 22nd annual Applefest. More than 100 booths lined the streets of downtown featuring everything from traditional apple desserts and fair food to fall decorations and children's activities.
Dave Griffin, a member of the Applefest committee, said that with free parking and a 15 mph speed limit, Mars is a safe place for families at any time of the year. He added that Mars has some very successful local businesses, and that Applefest was the perfect time to show them off.
"We do this to bring outside people into Mars," Griffin said. "This helps the businesses to succeed."
Bob Ford, 44, was born and raised in Mars and has been attending Applefest from the beginning. He said he even remembers picking the apples from the crates, and that he can't believe this event evolved from that.
"They were delicious," Ford said of the early apples. "This is the perfect time for a festival, it's fall."
Ford was manning the popcorn booth for Cub Scout Pack 413 with his 11-year-old son, Jake. Jake said he comes to the festival every year with his dad, sometimes for the booth, other times to hang out with friends and family.
"I like walking around and seeing the different tents," Jake said. "I see my friends here and we have a good time."
Patty Blyth of Mars was attending the Applefest for the first time. She said she had lived in the area for years, but with her personal schedule, has never had the chance to attend the festival.
"This is just wonderful," Blyth said. "There are lots of different booths, crafts and food. There's a little something for everyone."
Erin Neff, 7, from Valencia, said that she has been coming here since she can remember. She said she enjoys walking around and eating hotdogs with ketchup, but she especially likes the craft booths.
"Last year, I remember making sand art," Erin said. "I still have it."
Live music entertained festival goers throughout the day. Patrons also enjoyed a car cruise, tours of the historic train station and the money chamber. A cute baby contest and an apple pie contest were also popular attractions.
The winners of the apple pie contest were: first place, Anita Lampus; second, Shelley Zoelle; and third, Marcy Sebek.
