Pumpkin bowling is a favorite activity at the Apple Festival at Lauer Farm Park.
Dean Brown | The Lima News
LIMA — Lots of people turn out for the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District’s Apple Festival. This year is the 27th Apple Festival which is now held on even years at the Lauer Farm Park, 800 Roush Rd., Lima.
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Parks Director Tyler Black says, “It’s an event people have always looked forward to. It’s the first one we’ve had since COVID. We haven’t had one since 2018.”
Black shares a number of the activities at this year’s Apple Festival, “We have weavers and spinners in front of the house, a beekeeper in the barn. We’ve got wood carvers. We have a children’s tent with activities. There’s a little kiddie pool in there that has crayfish in it for kids to catch. Kids run out in the fields and catching bugs so they can bring them. We have a microscope so you can look at things really tiny and see them on a big screen TV. We have living history demonstrations in the house dating back to the 30’s and 40’s. We have live entertainment.
Adults and children visiting the festival can experience old-time homemade ice cream by Lugibihl as well as “sugar corn” — freshly popped corn lightly salted and sprinkled with white powered sugar — that has been a festival favorite for the past 40 years. Old-fashioned activities like pumpkin painting, tractor hayrides, pony rides, pumpkins bowling and no-hands apple eating allow the children the opportunity to experience life in a previous era.
Artisans are on hand to demonstrate traditional arts and crafts like the Lima Area Wood Carvers. The Hog Creek Spinners and Weavers will be joined by quilters and hook rug makers located in Lauer Farm’s barn and historic farmhouse.
The Apple Festival provides children and adults activities, tractor drawn hayrides, antique farm tools, harvest-time foods, pioneer demonstrations, and general family fun. On Sunday Dr. Insecta will give a presentation at 1 & 3 p.m. and the Steve Madewell Band will perform at 2 & 4 p.m.
Admission is free to explore the activities and listen to live musical performances.
Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409
