MARS — At 30 years old, the Mars Applefest remains a popular event.

“As long as the weather is nice, we'll get 3,000 to 5,000 people,” said Gary Weston, who coordinates the event for the Rich-Mar Rotary Club.

The festival was Saturday along Grand Avenue and Pittsburgh Street. It featured about 150 vendors, from foods to crafts to community organizations. Musical and nonmusical acts, such as the Mars Stars Jump Rope Team, played on the stage.

The Old Union Presbyterian Church sold homemade apple dumplings and the Dutilh United Methodist Church held a pancake breakfast.

Over the years, Weston said the festival has expanded, going further down Grand Avenue. Part of the reason for its popularity, he said, is that many organizations use the event as a fundraiser or a way to get more attention, bringing about a sense of community.

“Mars is just the kind of small town community that people like any reason to gather together,” Weston said.

Brittany and Duane Kolbe of Evans City both grew up in Mars and have been to several Applefests in the past. However, this was their first time in recent years.

They decided to come because they have a new baby who they thought might like to see the activities. Besides getting the baby out, she said she wanted to get apple fritters.

“The apple fritters were to die for,” Brittany Kolbe said.

Duane Kolbe said since he last came, the event has grown.

“I think there's more people,” Kolbe said.

Matt Opdyke of Gibsonia, who came last year, brought his 1-year-old son, Ben, this year

“It's a family event, a great place for kids,” Opdyke said.

He said he likes the apple cider. He also said Ben appeared to be enjoying his first time at the Applefest.

“He seems OK with it,” Opdyke said.

Mitch Campanella of Mars came for the first time, and was drawn to the event by his girlfriend's children.

“It's a lot of fun,” Campanella said.

His girlfriend, Holly Greiner of Mars, said she likes the food vendors and seeing a lot of people she knows. Of course, it's her two children that keep her coming back.

“Kids love it,” Greiner said.

Beth Kaniuff of Mars has come for eight or nine years, helping out at a Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts booth.

Although she spends much of her time at the booth, she does like to go around when she can and see what food is available.

“I should say eat the food, not see the food,” Kaniuff said.

Additionally, she said she likes to see the jump rope show and her children like to ride the Mars Shortline railroad.