BARRY APPLE FESTIVAL RETURNS OCTOBER 1–4 WITH PARADE, MUSIC AND FAMILY EVENTS

BARRY, Ill. — The Barry Apple Festival returns October 1 through 4 with four days of food, crafts, pageants, rides, music and community traditions. Events are centered in Lafayette Park and surrounding streets, bringing visitors and residents together for one of Pike County, Illinois’ major fall celebrations.

The festival opens Thursday with an apple pie contest, a talent contest and the introduction of Miss Apple Blossom, Master Apple Jack and Junior Miss contestants. Rides and vendors are scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday’s craft, food and park vendors open at 4 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies and pageants at 6 p.m.

Saturday starts with a 5K run and walk at 7:30 a.m. and a baby contest at 9 a.m. The grand parade begins at 1 p.m. Food and craft vendors open at 8 a.m., and live music is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m., with The Sny opening for Jordan Isakson.

Sunday’s schedule includes a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m., a community church service at 9:30 a.m. and a car show from noon to 4 p.m. A worship music jubilee begins at 1 p.m., followed by a kiddie tractor pull at 2 p.m. Food and craft vendors open at 8 a.m.

The Apple Dumplin’ Inn will also serve festival visitors through the weekend, with hours varying by day. Organizers say the festival draws people from communities across the Western school district. Attendees should check the festival’s current announcements for any last-minute schedule changes.