Applefest 2023 promises a slew of home-grown fun to enjoy over the weekend. Go Northumberland News has compiled a list of what you can expect at this year’s festivities.
Shuttle Busses for Applefest 2023 are now in operation, with a new schedule in place for this year. The buses will run every 5 to 7 minutes from designated stops. Please take note that there are two separate routes this time – one for Saturday and another for Sunday. Quinte Transit will provide accessible transportation for guests who require it. Additionally, one shuttle will circulate to each of the stops, and a second shuttle is available upon request by calling 613-899-8287.
Friday, September 22
- Brighton Legion Branch 100 Applefest Dinner & Dance: Head to Brighton Legion, 25 Park Street, for the Applefest Dinner & Dance starting at 6:00 pm. Enjoy a delicious roast pork dinner with applesauce and live music by The OFFBEATS. Tickets are priced at $25.00 each.
- Lions BINGO: Owen Gibb Community Hall will host Lions BINGO, starting at 5:00 pm with Bonanza Tickets sold at 5:30 p.m. The last numbers will be called at 6:30 pm. The event features 5 zip games, 9 regular games, 4 special games, and a jackpot game.
- Apples Eve at Brighton Speedway: Brighton Speedway, located at 775 County Rd 64, will host Apples Eve, starting at 6:00 pm. The event includes a DirtCar Sportsman Series Race, CM/UMP Heats, NLMA LM Heats and Dash Heat, Thunder Stock, Mini Stock Duel in the Dirt Combined Race, and 358 Hot Laps and Dash for Cash. Tickets are available for $35.00 each.
Saturday, September 23
- Helicopter Rides at Applefest: Experience a helicopter tour of the Municipality of Brighton at King Edward Park Small Soccer Field, starting from 9:00 am until sunset. Rides will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis, and payment is accepted in cash and credit only at $90 per ride.
- Music in the Park: Enjoy live music in Memorial Park, Downtown Brighton, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The lineup includes performances by Brighton All-Star Concert Band, Dennis Budgell, Ed’s Garage Band, Ian Conboy, Borgin’ and Benni, and David Porteus.
- Applefest Street Fair: Take a stroll down Main Street, Downtown Brighton, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, where over 150 local and visiting vendors will showcase various items, including original art, artisanal products, clothing, jewelry, pet accessories, and more. Numerous food vendors will offer a variety of foods.
- Vintage Car, Tractor and Motorcycle Show: Brighton Public School, 24 Elizabeth Street, will host a Vintage Car, Tractor, and Motorcycle Show from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. View a diverse collection of vintage vehicles while enjoying a live DJ and food vendors. Vehicle registration begins at 8:00 am with a $5 registration fee.
- Lions Children’s Village: Head to King Edward Park from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for family-friendly activities, including inflatables, oversized games, a Children’s Safety Village pop-up, street curling, vendors, and face painting.
- Emergency Services Open House: Brighton Fire & Rescue Station #1, 20 Elizabeth Street, welcomes visitors from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Explore fire trucks, gear, demonstrations, and more from local emergency services, including fire, paramedics, and police.
- Meet The Machine: Discover vehicles of all shapes and sizes on display from local businesses, including a boom truck, bulldozer, grader, and more at King Edward Park from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Freestyle Snowmobile Show: Witness gravity-defying performances by local Freestyle Snowmobile Rider Chris Cooseman at King Edward Park Large Soccer Field. Shows will take place at 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm.
- Opening Ceremonies: Join the official opening of Applefest at Memorial Park, Downtown Brighton, starting at 11:00 am. Local dignitaries will give opening remarks, and the Brighton Citizen of the Year Award will be presented, accompanied by a fly-past by members of CFB Trenton.
- Brighton Tennis Club Smash Cage: Test your tennis serve at the Brighton Tennis Club Courts from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Kinsmen Beer Tent: The beer tent on Main Street, Downtown Brighton, will be open from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm for those aged 19 and older.
- Applefest Shootout at Brighton Speedway: Brighton Speedway, located at 775 County Road 64, will host the Applefest Shootout, starting at 3:00 pm. The event includes the DIRTcar 358 75 Lap Applefest Shootout, DIRTcar Sportsman Series Race, McDougall Insurance Great Crate Race, Thunder Stock Duel on the Dirt, UMP/ Canadian Mods Feature Event, and Comp 4 Open. Tickets are priced at $35.00.
- Brighton Curling Club (BCC) Applefest Dance: Get ready to dance the night away at Brighton Community Centre, 75 Elizabeth Street, starting at 7:30 pm. Live music will be provided by The OFFBEATS, and tickets are available for $20.00.
Sunday, September 24
- Helicopter Rides
- Applefest Bike Ride: Cyclists of all levels are invited to join the Applefest Bike Ride. You can choose between a longer or shorter route, both offering scenic views of the area. Water and granola bars will be provided along the route.
- Codrington Farmers’ Market: Embark on a short journey just north of Downtown Brighton to visit the Codrington Farmers’ Market. Discover a variety of locally sourced goods, from baked treats to fresh seasonal produce and artisanal items. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday in rural Brighton.
- Proctor House Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Brighton by exploring one of its most iconic landmarks, Proctor House. Members of the Save Our Heritage Organization will be your guides, offering tours throughout the day. Please note that all tours must be pre-booked.
- Open Mic at the Rotary Stage: Have a hidden talent you’re eager to share? Step onto the Rotary Stage and perform in front of a hometown crowd.
- Brighton-Based Vendor Market: Experience the charming ambiance of a small-town market at Proctor House. Explore a variety of products and wares from local vendors based right here in Brighton.
- Trinity St. Andrews Family Fun Fair: Wrap up your Applefest experience with family fun at Trinity St. Andrew’s Family Fun Fair. Enjoy games, crafts, inflatables, and various family activities. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a delicious BBQ and homemade apple pies—all in celebration of 175 years of TSA!
For more information and updates, visit the Applefest website.
Written by: Noah Lorusso
