Monroe Farmers Market’s 2015 outdoor season winds down on Saturday, October 31st, also Halloween. To celebrate, they’ll host their 2nd Annual AppleFest in Courthouse Square from 8am to 1pm.
True to its name, there will be lots of apples. The market’s two dozen vendors are preparing a wide variety of fresh foods made from locally-grown apples. Apple pie, apple doughnuts, cold and hot apple cider, apple wines, apple dumplings, apple jams, and even fresh apple dog treats will be plentiful throughout the day. A local food truck, Fusion Zensation, will be on-site offering hot foods to guests as well.
Customers can expect lots of family fun at the festival. There will be free face painting and balloon animals, farm tractors on display, old-fashioned apple cider pressing demonstrations by O’Hara Orchard, and a crafters market full of local artists and crafters. Children are invited to dress in costume and trick-or-treat at market vendors’ booths. Paint will be provided at a pumpkin painting station as well. Live music for the day will be provided by Matt Abell.
Several market sponsors and special guests will be on-hand. Pocono Medical Center will be on-site to meet guests and provide healthcare information. The Sherman Theater will also be joining in the fun by passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Additional sponsors of Monroe Farmers Market in the 2015 season include The Mattioli Foundation, Earthlight Natural Foods, The Shawnee Inn, Free Flow Acupuncture, Ready Set Run, Local Flair, Minuteman Press, Renee Dee Photography, and Embroidery Express.
In connection with AppleFest, Monroe Farmers Market is seeking entrants for its Apple Pie Contest. Those interested in participating have until Wednesday October 28th at 6pm to register. Additional contests include the Apple Amateur Art & Photography contest, the Anything Apple Recipe Contest, and a Pet Costume Contest. Registration information for all contests is available online at monroefarmersmarket.com
Not able to make it to AppleFest on the last day of the outdoor season? You can still shop local for fresh food all winter long. Monroe Farmers Market moves indoors beginning November 7th at Soho in the Burg Gallery at 600 Main Street (the old Newberry Building). There, the market will continue to sell fresh seasonal produce, meats, jams, honey, cider, baked goods, and more every Saturday 9am-1pm through March (with the exception of December 26th). To see a complete Monroe Winter Farmers Market vendor lineup, visit monroefarmersmarket.com.
