An overhead view of the car show at Brighton Public School. /Municipality of Brighton photo
The 50th edition of Brighton’s signature fall festival is just weeks away, and the Applefest lineup is looking pretty sweet.
Here’s a glance at what you can expect at this year’s event:
The festivities get underway Thursday, Sept. 26, running through to Sunday, Sept. 29.
THURSDAY
An ecumenical service is set for 7 p.m. at the Owen Gibb Community Hall.
FRIDAY
There will be Lions’ bingo at the hall starting at 5 p.m.
“Apples Eve” at the Brighton Speedway will heat things up starting at 6 p.m.
And then the Brighton Legion hosts an Applefest-inspired pub night – also starting at 6 p.m. Dinner, entertainment and more are part of the fun.
SATURDAY
Saturday is packed with festivities starting with the Kinsmen’s pancake break at Veteran’s Way and Main Street from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Helicopter rides are back at King Edward starting at 9 a.m. through to dusk (weather dependent.) Rides are $90 per person, including HST, with cash and credit accepted.
As for the free fun, there are live performances at Memorial Park starting at 9:30 a.m. and running through to 4 p.m. This year, five bands are hitting the outdoor stage.
The traditional street fair returns at 10 a.m. This year’s fair features more than 150 vendors lining Main Street with all sorts of gems and goodies. The fair runs until 4 p.m.
The Lions’ children’s village is back at King Edward Park 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring a rock-climbing wall, inflatable games, a photo booth, petting zoo, street curling, and more.
Brighton Fire and Rescue, OPP and paramedics will be set up at Fire Station No. 1 on Elizabeth Street with their vehicles and gear.
People can drop in to get an up-close look and meet area first responders. “Meet the Machine” featuring vehicles of all shapes and sizes – including tanks and heavy equipment – will run concurrently at 20 Elizabeth St. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The vintage car, tractor and motorcycle show is another freebie to attend, hosted at Brighton Public School. There will also be live music and vendors running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Opening ceremonies to officially kick-off celebrations will be at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park. There will be a fly-past by CFB Trenton.
A freestyle snowmobile show will be set up at King Edward Park – there will be three shows at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. While bleachers will be available, people are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
The Brighton Tennis Club will have a “smash cage” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the courts.
The Kinsmen beer tent returns at the corner of Veterans Way and Main Street 1 to 5 p.m.
At 3 p.m., there’s the “Applefest Shootout” at the Brighton Speedway.
And at dusk/around 8 p.m., a fireworks and drone show will cap off the celebration at King Edward Park.
There will be an Applefest Dance Party featuring the Jade Monkeys following the fireworks at the curling club.
Shuttle buses will be running on Saturday, with more information available online.
SUNDAY
Stop by the Owen Gibb Community Hall 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the Kinsmen’s pancake breakfast.
Helicopter rides return 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at King Edward Park.
Then swing by the Codrington Farmers’ Market 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all kinds of fun and goodies.
Applefest festivities are posted via the Municipality of Brighton’s website. Applefest organizers also post updates via the Applefest Facebook page.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
