Several activities planned for Apple Festival weekend

The Four Flags Area Apple Festival kicks into high gear this weekend with a variety of family-friendly activities, including the Grande Parade, Exceptional Citizens Day, Lip Synch Contest and Custom Car Show.

All activities are free to experience. However, fairgoers will need to pay to ride carnival rides and purchase food and crafts. Wristbands good for unlimited rides are $25 today and Saturday and $20 Sunday.

Highlights for the 42nd annual Apple Festival, which is located at the corner of Lake and 17th streets in Niles, include:

 

Friday

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Exceptional Citizens Day, where the park is open only to senior citizens and disabled adults and children.

•  3 p.m. to midnight — Carnival rides open

• 5 p.m. — Judging of the Biggest Apple Contest

• 7 p.m. — Cadillac West performs country rock music

 

Saturday

• 8:30 to 10 a.m. — Community prayer breakfast at Ring Lardner Middle School (next to fairgrounds)

• 10 a.m. to midnight — Carnival rides open

• 1:30 p.m. — Grand Parade

• 5 p.m. — Judging of apple pie, pastries and cake

• 7 to 10 p.m. — YMCA senior citizens dance at Niles-Buchanan YMCA (905 N. Front St.)

• 8 p.m. — Irv Cass & Friends performs tribute to rock, pop and blues

• 10 p.m. — Fireworks

 

Sunday

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Custom Car Show

• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Carnival rides open

• 1 to 3 p.m. — Lip synch contest

• 3:30 p.m. — Apple pie eating contest

• 4 p.m. — NAMA performs Christian music/church service