Applefest, Mega Kids Sale Come to Granby Saturday

Although Celebrate Granby in the past and the Big E is sure to be packed full of eager attendees on its final weekend, residents in Granby and East Granby have a fun, local, relaxing option for some fun this weekend: Applefest and the Valley Pre-School mega kids sale, both being held at the First Congregational Church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Applefest, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., features fresh local apples (of course), a DJ playing music throughout the day, a bake sale, cheesebread featuring cheese from the Granville Country Store, more than 30 crafters and vendors, a bulb sale and kids activities – including rides on Star the pony from the nearby Strain Farm – throughout the day. The kids sale offers a variety of clothes, shoes, high chairs, strollers, books, with a 50 percent discount kicking in after 2 p.m.

As for hot food, Granby boy scouts will be on hand to serve up hot dogs and hamburgers. Both white chili and regular chili are also on the menu, according to Linda Betsch, one of the event's organizers.

"It's going to be a beautiful day," Betsch said, noting both the prediciton of sunny skies Saturday and the opporinities for residents to meet with the church and with each other.

The concurrent sale at Valley Pre-School is another reason to visit the church Saturday, with discounts on all sorts of kids items – including both luxuries an everyday needs. Everything offered at the sale drops to 50 percent off at 2 p.m. about two hours before the fair ends.

"That's a really big draw too," Betsch said of the sale.

After a hiatus of a few years, what was once the church's craft show has turned into an all-ages event that everyone in the family can enjoy.

"I hope this is the first annual one," Betsch said. "There's stuff for people of all ages."

Both the Mega Kids Sale and Applefest run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the First Congregational Church. Anyone interested in attending is welcome and you do not have to be a church member to attend.

"The main purpose of this is to bring people together," Betsch said. "We're ready to reach out to the community, to people who may have not been to the church before. Everyone is welcome."