THE BALLOON MAN

It's time for Apple Scrapple
 Bridgeville's annual fair to be held this weekend

 

Cynthia Durham helps members of Bridgeville United Methodist Church cook at the annual Apple Scrapple Festival. / Gary Emeigh photo
Written by Jeff Kauffman
from---delmarvanow.com
Oct 10, 2012
BRIDGEVILLE — There’s no better way to celebrate the small town than by combining the two things its known for — apples and scrapple — in a two-day festival.

This year will mark the 21st Apple Scrapple Festival, and there’s already a buzz of excitement in the community.

“We’ve been with the festival since it started and we’re always looking forward to it,” said MaryLou Hammond of TS Smith & Sons, one of the remaining two apple orchards in Delaware and a primary apple supplier for the festival. “Everybody in town is part of Apple Scrapple. It’s everywhere.”

Those who attend can enjoy carnival rides, scrapple chunkin’, scrapple carving, live entertainment, a car show and more.

Karen Johnson, executive chair and event organizer, said the festival spans five blocks.

“It’s truly a great festival,” she said. “(Guests can) walk around, eat great food and listen to live entertainment.”

The festival is scheduled to start Friday with T.S. Smith’s apple-baking contest, the naming of Little Miss Apple Scrapple, and a street dance performance with entertainer Mike Warren.

The festivities will resume early Saturday morning with crafts and live bands playing throughout the day.

“I’m extremely excited for the event,” Johnson said. “It promotes our town and tourism.”

Over the years, the two-day event has grown in popularity; last year it was attended by nearly 25,000 guests.

April Buckler, who works at Town Hall, said curiosity about the event continues to grow, and she’s confident this year will see the best turnout yet.

“It brings people in, supports local commerce,” she said.