Organizers of the Salt Spring Apple Festival say that Sunday’s event is “a chance to visit Apple Heaven while still here on Earth.”
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If you ate an apple a day, it would take almost a year to sample each of the 350 varieties of organic apples found at the festival. To help you remember, or find a particular variety, the apples are laid out alphabetically.
Salt Spring Island’s history of growing apples dates back to 1860, when the first orchards were planted. Up until the 1920s, the island’s growers put apples on the tables of most homes in British Columbia.
While the Okanagan has surpassed the island in the total volume of the fruit, Salt Spring is much more diverse in its offerings.
“With more than 350 varieties to choose from, there’s all sorts of choice — and we’re sure you’ll find one you like,” said Harry Burton, one of the organizers of the event.
T
he event, in its 16th year, features activities at Fulford Hall as well as a self-guided tour of 14 orchards, wineries and even a cheese maker. Along with a variety of apples to sample, many of the orchards have teamed up with local chefs to offer locally-sourced lunches for people taking part in the tour.
While new varieties, such as Ambrosia, are crowdpleasers, many of the heritage varieties, some from the 1600s, are still popular.
“Old varieties, such as the Gravenstein, are still winning for their taste,” said Burton, owner of Apple Luscious Organic Orchard.
A panel of experts will be available at the festival to identify mystery apples (bring two apples and an idea of when they ripen). The Apple Pie Ladies will also be on hand selling slices, and beekeepers will advise on orchard beekeeping.
There will be three face painters, clowns and a story-teller roaming the Apple Trail.
The best place to start the tour is Fulford Hall, 2591 Fulford-Ganges Rd., at the south end of the island, about one kilometre from the Fulford Ferry.
Admission to the hall is $5. Hall admission and a self-guided tour of 18 locations is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children.
Programs, including a map, are available at the Fulford Hall or at the Ganges Tourist Info Centre at north end of the island.
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