It wasn't leaves crunching underfoot...the green leaves were still on the trees. There was snow about an inch of it, and more snow in piles made from digging out spaces for vendors at Hamilton's Apple Days festival over the weekend.
Tents, kerosene heaters, winter clothing were all used by vendors to try to keep warm.
The farmer's market items that hadn't been selling all summer were going quickly. Hand made gloves, mittens, scarves, hats - every thing knit, crochet, polar fleece, wool. Hot drinks, spicy food, pies and lots of apples were the big sellers.
Boy Scout's were pressing cider on cite, Swanson's Orchards were selling Macintosh apples by the case, and the cauldron of apple butter boiled all day in the middle of the street - smelling wonderfully warm and fall. It almost made you forget your frozen toes with snow underfoot.
Live Music, raffle winner announcements and the Accapella Society kept the crowd entertained.
Despite the cold, which abated somewhat around noon when the sun came out, it was a fun community event with lots of shopping, eating and visiting with the neighbors.
- Michelle McConnaha reporting for kpax.com
(from October 8, 2009)
Fall colors, temperatures, smells, tastes are unique, heart-savoring and available at Hamilton's Apple Days on Saturday, October 10th in downtown Hamilton in front of the Museum on Bedford Street.
"It's a total hoot," said Tamar Stanley, Ravalli County Museum Director. "It's a fun community event that's been around for at least 30 years. It is all volunteer based and the funding base for the education curriculum at the museum."
An army of volunteers work nearly around the clock to get everything ready.
56 bushels of apples arrived Wednesday from Frost Top Orchards, for pealing and slicing. 700 pies got handmade from scratch on Thursday and they'll get baked at Corvallis Schools Cafeteria and the Coffee Cup for fresh eating on Saturday.
160 vendors will sell their wares.
"We couldn't have this event with out the Vendors. There will be all the regular farmer's market vendors plus people from out side the valley, so there will be every item imaginable," said Stanly. "We encourage people to come and do their early Christmas shopping."
Some 10,000 people attended last year from all over the state and the organizers are hoping for more this year. Weather always affects attendance at this outdoor event.
"We are hoping for good weather but this is Montana in October. Cold is good, but we don't want rain," said Stanley.
There will be live music, free carriage rides on a horse drawn carriage, provided by Pioneer Carriage. Also on tap are activities and games for kids at Legion Park, a raffle, and a silent auction. "Every vendor donates something," said Stanley.
The variety of food includes private vendors and the Museum's offerings of Buffalo Chili, hot cider, caramel apples, and pies. There will even be a caldron of apple butter brewing in the middle of the street.
Everyone is invited to this fun community fall celebration at this outdoor event in Hamilton.
- Michelle McConnaha reporting for kpax.com
