Contests and more at the Sebec Village Apple Festival

    SEBEC — The third annual Sebec Village Apple Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Reading Room in Sebec Village.
    There are many activities to enjoy, along with crafters, fabulous food, apple baked goods, and freshly-pressed cider on the 18th, and there are many opportunities to participate in apple-themed contests before the actual day of the Apple Festival.
    The Photography Contest will be judged in two categories: children up to age 15 and adults. Pictures should be no less than 4 by 6 inches and should be matted and/or framed. The photographer’s name, phone number, and age must be attached or on the back, and all entries must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 15. The theme is simple: apples, and judging will be based upon the creative and/or artistic celebration of apples.
    The Writing Contest will be judged in three categories: grades K–5, 6–8 and grades 9–12. Creativity is urged and authors are encouraged to consider stories, poems, haiku, essays, etc. The theme is simple: apples, and writers can approach this creatively with apple characters, apple humor, apple descriptions, etc. Authors must include their name, grade, and phone number with their submission and all entries must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 15.

    Photography and writing submissions may be sent to: Barbara Mauzy PO Box 59 Brownville, ME 04414. Entrants can also reach her at 564.3232 to arrange a drop-off.
    The Art Contest will be judged in three categories: children up to and including age 8, ages 9-15 and age 16 and over. Any creative expression is encouraged: watercolor, fabric, collage, sculpture, etc. The finished work needs to have a title and the name, phone number, and age of the artist. Art submissions must be at the Reading Room in Sebec Village by 10 a.m. on Oct. 18. The theme is simple: apples, and judging will be based upon the creative and/or artistic rendering of an apple-themed work.
    The Apple Pie Baking Contest will be held at Oct. 18. Participants can bring their delectable entries to the Reading Room from 9 a.m. to noon. Criteria for pie judging includes appearance and taste, and our judges are eagerly waiting for pies.
    A Scarecrow Building Contest will be held from 11-11:30 a.m. outside the Reading Room on the day of the festival, rain or shine. This is a great event for families or groups of friends to enjoy as a team effort. Participants need to bring creativity and accessories as the Sebec Village Associates  will provide a plastic jack-o lantern head, a shirt, a pair of pants, and straw or hay. Builders are encouraged to provide additional items to enhance their scarecrows, and all individuals and teams will have exactly 30 minutes to create a scarecrow.
    The Apple Festival will also be hosting a craft show and some of the area’s finest artisans will have beautifully-executed wares for sale. A prize basket loaded with apple-themed treasures and a gift certificate will be raffled on the 18th and the Sebec Village Associates will continue to sell tickets for a gorgeous hand-sewn quilt which will be given away in December.
    Food will be available throughout the festival, and this will include some of the most delicious soups, sandwiches, and apple baked goods anywhere. Vegetarian and gluten-free selections will be available as well as free samples of the freshly-pressed cider. There will be many arts, crafts, games, and puzzles for children of all ages.
    Rain or shine, the Sebec Village Apple Festival will certainly be a highlight of this season. Come early, stay all day as there will be a lot to see, do, buy, and eat. For more information, contact Mauzy at 564-3232.