Stephanie Hawks spends time with her grandchildren — Millard, 10, and Maren, 8 — at the 38th annual Applefest in Franklin. Hawks' son and daughter-in-law had a woodworking booth — Hawkmade Woodwork.

FRANKLIN — About 100,000 people enjoyed the 38th annual Applefest, a three-day weekend event, according to organizers.

“Applefest is an assault to your senses,” said Jodi Baker-Lewis, executive director of the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, “with the smells of roasting, smoky BBQ, hand-cut french fries, sweet spiced nuts, apple treats, all the beautiful architecture Franklin has to offer and the sound of the crowd just enjoying the days of the festival.”

Applefest began Friday with the annual apple pancake breakfast at St. Patrick School.

The event featured food and craft vendors, live music and a farmers market.

Long-time Franklin resident Kim Heil has attended the festival for 20 years.“It is just so wonderful to see people gather where there is such camaraderie and a sense of community,” she said.The event has become a tradition for Heil; one that has come to include her daughter, Amelia.“I just love coming to Applefest, and I look forward to it all year,” Amelia said.

Jim Williams is chairman of the “Core” Committee at the chamber.“Working with this crew is a real treat,” he said. “Everyone is so dedicated and committed with a will-do attitude when it comes to pulling this off every year. I want to make sure to emphasize that this is a team effort.”The 12 members of the Core Committee plan the festival each year.Williams said the most valuable part of Applefest is the interaction with attendees.

The Franklin Rotary Club sold apple butter at the festival, and also gave a tour of the area.“We took over 20 people on a walk around Franklin just this morning, who were amazed by the architecture,” said Rotarian Chad Ellis.The Franklin High School band played on Liberty Street on Saturday afternoon, and bands played in the pavilion beside the courthouse throughout the weekend.“We featured local groups this year since we could not meet last year due to COVID,” said Baker-Lewis. “In years past, we brought in groups from outside of the area, but this year, we wanted to support our community and hang together.”According to Baker-Lewis, Applefest began in 1983 as a pie-baking contest, and more than 50 original vendors have been a part of the event since it began.