JACKSON – Apples, apples, and more apples.

Thursday, September 21, 2000

JACKSON – Apples, apples, and more apples. That’s the theme festivalgoers will find when they attend the Jackson County Apple Festival this weekend.

The 60th anniversary of this year’s festival will feature live entertainment and various apple-related foods as well as rides for all ages.

"The festival officially started Tuesday at noon and will continue through until Saturday evening," festival president Bryan Davis said. "Each day will be filled with fun and activities for all ages. There are many food booths offering a variety of foods ranging from apple dumplings to apple fritters to pies and candy."

Today was Preschool Day and will feature an entire day of events for preschoolers, Davis said.

"We have various games and prizes to offer preschoolers all day," Davis said. "Beginning at 7 p.m., Phil Dirt and the Dozers will perform two 45-minute shows at the grandstand."

Rides for all ages will start up at 5 p.m. and will continue until 10 p.m., he said.

"Each night, the rides will operate on an all-you-can-ride basis for $8," Davis said.

On Friday, quilting demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jackson Library and a craft show will take place from noon until 7 p.m. at the Memorial Building.

"We will have apple butter being made on the midway starting at noon Friday," he said. "Friday has been designated as Senior Citizens Day and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., we will have entertainment and gospel music for the seniors."

"Folks won’t want to miss Cledus T. Judd and Sherrie Austin Friday night," Davis said. "They will be featured in the grandstand and will each perform a 45-minute show."

A 5K run/walk will start the last day of the festival at 8 a.m., Saturday, followed by a big wheel race at 10 a.m.

"We will also have a car show on Saturday at the Eddie Jones Park on Harding Avenue," Davis said. "We will have a unique rollerblade competition at the grandstand at 11 a.m."

The Grande Finale Parade will bring the day to a close at 7:45 p.m. and will feature more than 175 displays.

"The Grande Finale parade is billed as the largest lighted parade in Ohio," he said. "Those attending the festival won’t want to miss the fireworks display following the parade. It’ll be a spectacular show."