LEOMINSTER — The Johnny Appleseed Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Leominster, with music, kids’ activities, hundreds of vendors, food trucks and other fun.
There will be 270 vendors, 65 percent of which are nonprofit or charitable organizations, including 36 food trucks.
Gov. Maura Healey will attend. And U.S. Rep. James McGovern is expected at noon on center stage during a special recognition ceremony.
Three stages will be set up for different musical acts and activities.
There will be free admission and free parking.
“Whether you’re coming for the music, food, shopping, kids’ activities, local organizations, handmade treasures — or that legendary apple crisp — there’s a reason to spend Saturday downtown,” says a flyer about the event.
Included will be a parking lot party for children, dancing with professional DJ “Ray,” and Hyridge Farms (of Winchendon) Giddy Up pony rides.
“In the beginning, it was an effort to really bring people downtown,” said organizer Rick Murphy in a broadcast on Leominster Access Television.
“Today, it’s grown,” said Murphy. “We’ve expanded from what it has been traditionally,” which initially was the downtown green, to use all the nearby streets.
Included will be the Leominster High School Chorus, Yankee Dixon Band, a Music Includes program, Spud Kelly will do blues, Eagles Encounter, which is an Eagles tribute band.
Also on tap will be the Leominster High marching band, Mark Markey and his family, a German band, Big Wheel Acoustic Trio, and Christian music.
A highlight is the apple crisp, which is made by a The First Baptist Church using local apples, working for a week to make all the desserts.
Up to 23 church groups will be hand, as well as Fitchburg High School groups and Disney characters walking though the fair.
Another attractions will be artists and makers sharing their wares and a a craft fair with people from all over.
Expect “plenty of Johnny Appleseed spirit. Bring your family and friends and experience one of Leominster’s favorite traditions,” says the group’s Facebook post. “Come downtown, explore, eat, shop, and celebrate!”
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