Popular festival is the apple of many an eye

  • Event: UBC Apple Festival
  • Date: Oct. 14 and 15
  • Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Place: UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 Southwest Marine Dr.
  • Parking: Pay parking is available in B-lot across from
    the garden for $3 (all day).

More than 20,000 pounds of apples are travelling to UBC’s Botanical
Garden from small growers around the province for this year’s Apple
Festival.

The popular annual event, organized by UBC’s Friends of the Garden
(FOGs), takes place Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15, from
11 a.m. to 4.p.m. Admission to the festival and the garden is free.

Because of the very high demand, the amount of apples has been
increased by more than 25 per cent this year, says FOG Margaret
McGregor.

“For the first time organic apples will be available as well as
information on how fruit from backyard trees can be picked and donated
to the Food Bank,” she says.

Nancy Jefferson, chair of the FOGs, says the core of the event’s
broad appeal is sharing fun with family and friends.

“We have learned that, for thousands of people, there’s nothing
quite like the crunch and flavour of a favourite apple to bring
back memories of childhood. Crowds of people approach the tasting
tent with the same sense of ceremony as a wine-tasting event.”

Last year more than 8,000 people attended the festival.

More than 35 varieties of apples, almost all unavailable commercially,
will be on sale. More than 50 varieties will be available for tasting
at a nominal fee and more than 40 varieties of trees, many suitable
for patios and containers, will be sold.

Apple cider and bobbing, face painting and buskers, grafting and
pruning demonstrations and harvest crafts will also be featured.
David Tarrant and other experts will be on hand to answer gardening
questions.

Call 604.822.9666 or 822-3928 for more information.

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