The 33rd annual Applefest in Weston on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2 and 3 will offer something for everyone. The event in historic downtown Weston will feature favorites such as a parade at 10 a.m., Saturday, on Main Street, entertainment, kids’ games, crafts and artisans, apple dumplings, mini hay bales and lots of vendors and festival foods.
Lorri Stanislav, who serves as a director on the Weston Chamber of Commerce, said this is a great event for adults and children alike because they try to balance things to do for all ages with games and special entertainment for the kids and plenty of activities for adults. Her 10-year-old son, James, told Stanislav that everything at the festival is good, including the food and games, the parade and all the people who attend.
“This year we tried to capture some of the lost arts feel – sticking to handmade and artisan crafts,” Stanislav said. “Everything from henna art to repurposed military fatigues, homegrown honey products to jewelry, leather goods, and doggy wearables.”
This year, Stanislav said they made sure to cover all the bases when it came to food at the festival. There will be typical festival offerings, as well as lots of healthy options.
“There will be lots of entertainment and bands, kids’ games, and everyone’s favorite: watching the mini-baler,” Stanislav said. “The Christian Church is famous for their dumplings, and it wouldn’t be Applefest without them.”
There will be no parking in downtown Weston. Visitors should park and shuttle at Snow Creek or at Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard There will be some parking at West Platte High School and in spots along Highway 45.
Parking is $10 cash, or $12 credit on-site. Advance parking tickets will be available at westonchamber.com/applefest or their facebook page. The festival’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The last shuttle is at 5:30 p.m. – parking gates close at 6 p.m. Porta potties will be available.
Masks are required on the shuttles. Applefest planners follow the Platte County Heath Department’s guidance. Since this is an outdoor event, masks are not required. “We do ask that visitors respect individual shop policies regarding wearing masks indoors,” Stanislav said.
Applefest promises to be not only a perfect way to celebrate the coming of autumn, it will also be a continuation of Missouri’s special events throughout the year honoring the state’s bicentennial. In Weston, events have included a 5K run, Ben Holladay Day and an ice cream social, which was part of the ice cream socials around the state celebrating 200 years of statehood.
Weston residents are proud that their town has been voted best day trip and best small town in many Missouri publications over the years.
“We take this honor very seriously and enjoy sharing our town and history with visitors,” Stanislav said. “During the pandemic, Weston had 14 new businesses open and it’s exciting to introduce folks to our new merchants and experiences.”