The Nobleboro Applefest 2011, held on October 1, has been celebrating beautiful crafts, great music and wonderful food for years. Sponsored by the Nobleboro Historical Society, the festival had something for everyone with arts and crafts dealers, demonstrations, contests, food stands, and entertainment.
Heavy winds and rain could not stop the hundreds who attended at Nobleboro Central School. Umbrellas stood dripping in hallways. In the gym and hallways of the school, smiling faces, friends and neighbors enjoyed the bountiful foods and most especially, the bright and beautiful apples, that always signify that harvest season is in full swing.
With winter creeping up on Maine again, the visitors and participants seemed determined to gather and celebrate not only the harvest, but each other.
In the school’s lobby, Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association, Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration, First Baptist Church of Nobleboro, Nobleboro Snowmobile Association and the Willow Grange shared information, informative displays and crafts. Down the hallway, children’s games kept youngsters engaged.
The gym was the hub of activity. Decorated with Corn Husks, pumpkins and apples, plus two wonderful scarecrows. “We call this one Adney, after Adney Peck,” said Johnny Appleseed.
Bluegrass and gospel music, yodeling and great singing filled the air from The Damariscotta Lake Band.
There was an antique firearms display sharing weapons carried by the pioneers in the 1800s in the Historical Center, manned by Al O’ Donnell. Door prizes, silent auctions, food and friends all kept the gym a buzz with activity and laughter.
Fire Chief Ryan Gallagher and David Gallagher, both from Minehata Fire Company, brought their tips, coloring books and a wealth of information inside to share. Originally Nobleboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue had planned an outside demonstration but the occasionally torrential rains drove the crowds indoors.
The rain actually served to gather people in one place, and added to the elements of camaraderie and community evident throughout the day.
Apples, of course, were the stars of the day. Always a favorite, this festival combines the beauty of autumn with crafts, live music and friends.
It was one of those laid-back and family friendly events that remind folks of the timelessness of such gatherings. High tech had no place there, and not a cell phone was in sight. That alone made the day a refreshing change for visitors.
Mary Solomon, from Princeton, N.J., was there with her grandchildren. She summed up the day quite easily, “It could almost be a fair like we had when I was a child,” she said. “It’s wholesome, everyone is so friendly, and you feel like you are at home from the second you come in the doors.”
She stopped to take hold of the collar of 4-year-old Nathan as he sped past, then continued, “It’s a really good time. It doesn’t break the bank and you can’t beat that.”