Apple Festival fun in Denmead
Denmead’s second Apple Festival proved to be an absolute core-ker at the weekend, with hundreds of locals turning out to enjoy the music, food and free activities.
The event really brought out the competitive streak among Denmead residents, with a total of 26 submissions received for the baking competition. Children also competed for the best ‘Mr. Applehead’ apple figurine, with over 50 made at the event using food donated by The Southern Co-operative.
These two competitions were judged by Denmead’s WI Belles member Sarah Sharp and Customer Service Assistant, Abi Johnson, at The Southern Co-operative Denmead store. Abi commented:
We had so many entries and with so much creativity, it was very hard to pick our winners. The apple crumbles and cakes were beautiful and the children were so imaginative, using everything from kale and carrots to sultanas and dolly mixtures to make their Mr Applehead figures! The event was really community-focused and everyone was so friendly and chatty, so it was great to be involved.
The competitive spirit was most evident at the “apple and spoon” obstacle course set up by local fitness company Smart Fit Training. Balancing an apple on a table tennis bat, contestants had to duck under bars, run in and out of tyres, round cones and under cargo nets, with the fastest times receiving a prize.
Local musicians provided a selection of fantastic live music all day, with Elvis (aka Steve Ryan from Denmead’s Community Pub, the Fox and Hounds) putting in an appearance towards the end of the day.
Heidi Isa, Market Towns Development Officer for Winchester City Council and organiser of the event, said:
Our aim was to organise an event which brought local people into the village centre to socialise and have fun. We also wanted to create an opportunity for different local organisations to work together collaboratively. Both of these aims have been achieved and the smiles on the painted faces of children and their parents made all the hard work worthwhile.