Apple Daze Festival Kicks-Off Saturday in Dexter

The fifth annual Apple Daze Festival will take place at Dexter's Monument Park on Saturday.

The family event takes places from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and is sponsored by the Dexter Lions Club.

It includes food, hayrides, animal rides, games, a petting farm and craft booths.

"What we've tried to do every year is make it a better event, and I think we've succeeded in that goal," event chairman Jim Carson said.

New this year is a nine hole miniature golf course, as well as a pie eating contest. The contest will be held at 2 p.m. Participants can enter three age groups: 6-8; 9-12; and 13 and up. All of the pies have been donated by Busch’s Fresh Food Market. Prizes for first, second, and third place will be provided by Stucchi’s of Dexter and Jet's Pizza.

Contestants can sign up between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Dexter Lions' wagon or the kids' game tent in Monument Park.

In addition, there will be a classic car show sponsored by LaFontaine Chevrolet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $5 per vehicle, and trophies will be awarded for "Best of Show," "Best Restored," and "Best Street Rod Show."

"Last year we had 35 cars. We're hoping to expand the show. We want Dexter to be the spot for a fall classic car tour," Ron Railford, publicity chairman said. "The whole idea is to come out to the festival, and then enjoy a leisurely drive through the countryside to see the changing leaves on the trees."

Participants can register by emailing 56Skyhawk@comcast.net.

Railford said throughout the afternoon, several local bands and performance groups will also entertain visitors from the gazebo in Monument Park.

"We have a wide range of music that will appeal to different ages," he said.

Games and hayrides will have a nominal fee. Proceeds from the festival will be used to fund scholarships for Dexter students, programs for blind children and adults, and service projects in the community.

For more information, visit the Dexter Lions Club website.