Join the fun at the Tehachapi Apple Festival!

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As autumn paints Tehachapi with vibrant hues, it's time for the highly anticipated Apple Festival, running from Oct. 11-13. This annual celebration promises a weekend full of family-friendly activities, entertainment and, of course, delicious apples!

The festivities kick off on Friday evening with the Carnival at the Rodeo Grounds, opening at 6 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. For just $10 for adults and $5 for kids, enjoy a concert by Metalshop from 6 to 8 p.m. – your carnival wristband grants you free entry to this rockin' show! Metalshop is a family-friendly band that pulls out all the stops so everyone in the family has an unforgettable time. You'll also want to wear your best dance shoes because Heart & Soul Line Dancing will be on scene as well!

Saturday is a full day of fun starting at 10 a.m. with the Downtown Apple Festival, showcasing more than 100 craft vendors, food and activities until late afternoon. The carnival resumes at noon, and don't miss the thrilling Apple Fest Rodeo taking place that day, as well. In Centennial Plaza, you can catch live performances from Just Us 4 Singers at 10:30 a.m., followed by an Apple Pie Eating Contest at noon! Other musical acts include the Lazy Dog Mountain Band and Journey in Time, ensuring a lively atmosphere.

Sunday wraps up the festival with more carnival excitement from noon to 9 p.m. and a unique Shop & Swap event at the Rodeo Grounds. Pie baking contest at Noon in Centennial Plaza. The famous Apple Drop on F Street is at 4 p.m., you never know if your apple will be a winner.

With plenty of entertainment lined up, from line dancing to live music in the Beer Garden, like Christian Parker, Alison Reynolds, and Jarett Miner, there's something for everyone. So grab your family and friends, and head to Tehachapi for a weekend filled with fun, laughter and, of course, apples! Don't miss out on this local gem of a festival!

For more information, check out The Loop newspaper's Autumn Fun Guide on stands now, or visit http://www.tehachapiapplefestival.com or follow @tehachapiapplefest on Instagram and Facebook.

A special thank you to our Golden Apple Sponsors Terra-Gen Operating Company, WM and City of Tehachapi for continuing the tradition. WM is the official sponsor of the kid's bounce house fun zone! Thank you to our Harvest sponsor, Rio Tinto US Borax for making it possible to have this event in the heart of Tehachapi. Thank you to the Semerenko Team for being our balloon sponsor this year. Be sure to stop by their booth to get a special apple balloon. Thank you to Westlane Brewing for being our Beer Garden Sponsor and Singing Apple Sponsor. Thank you to our community partners, The Loop newspaper and Tehachapi Cement for your unwavering support.

Clare Scotti is the Executive Director of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce.