The Apple Festival is always a fun and busy day. It’s also a little bittersweet because it marks the end of our regular Market season. If you have apples that you’d like to press, you’re welcome to bring them anytime during the Market. We’ll have three presses-one just for the kids! You can get a free sample of cider and we’ll also offer it by the cup,pint,quart,1/2 gallon and gallon for donation as a fundraiser for the Market.
The apple dessert contest is the other feature of the Festival. It is always hotly contested and is open to any kind of dessert featuring apples. Just bring your entry to the Market by 9:45. Judging begins at 10 am. Entries are judged on appearance, overall quality and “appleness”.After judging, 
desserts will be available for $2 a slice to benefit the Market. First prize is $100, 2nd-$30 and 3rd-$20. Thanks to our Market sponsors Skyline Bank, the Town of Independence, Grayson County,the Matthews Foundation and River Ridge Farm.
This is the last day of the regular outdoor Market. Don’t worry, you can shop On-line! Order from Wednesday evening to Monday evening and come by the Grayson LandCare/IFM office at 104 Courthouse Street between 4-6 pm to pick up your order. And we return to Town Park the Friday after Thanksgiving and the first Saturday in December from 11am to 2pm for our 2 Winter Markets.