NILES — Those who have driven down Main Street recently may have noticed the white flags embossed with a red apple flapping from every lamp post. It is among a few signs indicating that the 46th annual Four Flags Apple Festival will soon kick off.

The festival will take place from 3 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27 and Friday, Sept. 28, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Apple Festival grounds, 1740 Lake St.

The traditional event first began as a way to celebrate Michigan’s apple harvest. The festivities include carnival rides, multiple apple-themed contests like seed popping, tons of apple-inspired food, craft vendors and loads of contests and family-friendly activities and entertainment. Several events precede the festival including the Miss and Junior Apple Festival pageant this Saturday and Youth Day on Sept. 22, where children can find a host of activities at the Apple Festival grounds.

This year festival goers can expect a few new features. President of the Apple Festival Board Stacy Walsh said festival leaders decided to revive the beer and wine tent this year.

“It’s just something to bring back,” Walsh said. “All of the festivals have a beer tent and this year we thought we would try it out and run it ourselves.”

Round Barn Brewery and Winery will sell craft beer and wine products for people to enjoy. The tent will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The tent will be located south of the Entertainment tent, which Walsh said will be ideal for those who want to enjoy a drink and listen to the free music. 

Those with a passion for barbecue will also have an opportunity to showcase their skills in a Backyard Barbecue Grill Off from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. A panel of judges will taste test ribs and chicken.

“We were trying to find something new and different to add the festival,” Walsh said.

Those who compete have the chance to win cash prizes and a grand prize of $500.

So far, there are 18 entries for the contest. Walsh said people are still welcome to sign up, though competitors will be capped at 25. People can sign up by visiting the Apple Festival’s website.

A brand-new carnival ride will also be among the new features. The ride spins, bringing people high into the air and is considered to be one of the tallest carnival rides in Michigan, according to Walsh. A wrist band, plus four tickets or 12 tickets must be purchased to ride it.

Ride wrist bands, which give customers access to all rides, are available in advance online for the discounted price of $22. They can be purchased by visitng the Apple Festival website.

Walsh said the four-day Apple Festival has attracted about 150,000 people to Niles in the past.

Those who attend pay a $5 parking fee. Excluding the rides, other festival activities and contests are free. Proceeds from the event will be used for the next year’s Apple Festival.

Walsh’s family has been involved with the Four Flags Area Apple Festival since its beginning. Walsh’s grandmother Vivian Stilwell was one of the original founders and her family has helped to carry on the tradition each year.

As she continues the festival for another year, Walsh said she is hoping for good weather and looking forward to seeing her community take part in the tradition.

“I just see like to see families out [and] watching people have a good time,” Walsh said.

To see a full schedule of this year’s events, visit fourflagsapplefestival.org.