Parish Festival Becomes Major Annual Event

By Jan Rynearson

St. John Applefest 2010, the 38th annual, promises to be bigger and better than ever.

What began with small beginnings has grown into one of the largest and most profitable events at any one parish in the entire Diocese of Lansing. It also has the reputation of being the cleanest.

The four-day September fest will be crowded with activities to delight people of all ages. More than a parish fundraiser, the Apple fest is regarded as Fenton's fall festival and is supported by the entire community.

Any given year, the event draws approximately 100,000 people. Those of all faiths look forward to attending. Former members of the parish and other Fentonites, who have relocated across the state and out-of-state, often return for the festival.

Many non-Catholics volunteer to help their Catholic friends and neighbors in various aspects of the event, which is geared for family, fun, food, friendship and frolic. The Rev. Fr. David Harvey, pastor of St. John's stresses that the festival is to be a "fun" time.