Orchard owners, artists, musicians, street entertainers, crafters and festival food vendors line Bayfield's historic streets for the 48th annual Apple Festival Oct. 2-4.
Bayfield welcomes over more than visitors.
Stroll along Orchard Lane and throughout the festival grounds, and you'll find apples in abundance. Caramel -covered, pies, dumplings, torts or tarts, sundaes, cider, bags and bushels of apples, or apple bratwurst.
Also, children of all ages can enjoy a carnival complete with games and rides. Kids can also join Bayfield's Apple Dumpling Gang or learn all about the Apostle Islands and Ojibwe traditions with different activities put on by the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Park Service.
New this year to festival is performances of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" performed by local actors who attempt to perform all of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets in an hour. There will be two performances Oct. 2 at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion at 7 p.m. (family friendly) and 10 p.m. (may not be suitable for young children).
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The Bayfield Chamber is happy to welcome the Red Cliff Pow Wow Committee and dancers and drummers all three days on Broad Street. In addition to the entertainment, they provide a new food booth featuring venison chili and fry bread.
Also new this year, the Rubber Chicken Comedy Theatre will take over the Big Top Grandstand Stage on Saturday at 5 p.m. to entertain with a live radio show sponsored by Wisconsin Public Radio.
Be sure to stop at the main stage on Rittenhouse Avenue where the gang from Big Top Chautauqua will be showcasing songs from their original historical musicals throughout the weekend.
Sunday's Grand Parade features the 400 member Mass Band marching to the tune of "On Wisconsin."
On Thursday, prior to the "official" start of the Apple Festival, test your culinary skills by entering the Apple Pie and Dessert Contest at the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion. Or simply come and enjoy samples from all the contestants after the judging.
Along with all of the above, you'll find more than 150 arts and crafts vendors and special activities at many of Bayfield's orchards. You can cherish your memories with colorful Apple Festival merchandise.
Parking is available on the festival grounds as well as at Hauser's Superior Farm and Isle Vista Casino with free shuttle transportation to and from the festival.
Can't make it to Apple Festival? Not to worry, Bayfield's apple season continues through the end of October.
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For more information on the Apple Festival including a full schedule of events, visit www.bayfield.org or call the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau at (800) 447-4094.
