As much as 20,000 individuals traditionally attend this two-day occasion that options many apple-related actions
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It’s again. And that’s nice information. The UBC Apple Pageant, a Vancouver custom for the previous 31 years, was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 as a result of challenges of COVID-19 however returns this fall.
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In response to Pam Sinclair, a longtime member and spokesperson for the Pals of the Backyard (FOGs), as much as 20,000 individuals traditionally attend this two-day occasion that options many apple-related actions. From discovering and buying each new and heritage B.C.-grown apple varieties and sampling over 100 completely different apple varieties within the Tasting Tent to having fun with apple desserts and drinks, in addition to taking in leisure and going for backyard walks, there’s something for everybody.
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Choosing up a brand new apple tree within the botanical backyard store to take dwelling and plant may also be a part of the enjoyable and is among the finest souvenirs I can consider.
I had the chance to talk with Katie Teed, Senior Supervisor, Advertising and marketing and Communications on the UBC Botanical Backyard in regards to the expectations of this yr’s pageant. Teed is thrilled to have this necessary B.C. occasion again, and he or she can be very grateful for the FOGs members who originated and have orchestrated this pageant every year. The preliminary imaginative and prescient was to showcase the variety of the apples grown in B.C. It is a crucial fundraiser for the UBC Botanical Backyard.
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This yr’s Apple Pageant takes place on Oct. 15 and 16 and, as Teed identified, it’s so rather more than a novelty apple occasion. She defined how necessary it’s for city households and people to expertise the UBC Botanical Backyard, particularly the Forest Stroll. The Pageant admission consists of entry to the UBC Botanical Backyard, which is sort of stunning presently of the yr. Tickets for the Tasting Tent price an additional $7 and are issued for timed entry.
The backyard store is all the time a enjoyable place to go to. It sells not solely distinctive vegetation, together with plenty of hard-to-find sorts of apple timber, but in addition, for this occasion, many apple-related novelty kitchen and backyard provides.
The leisure for the 2 days is household targeted, and the organizers had been simply finalizing the main points when Teed and I spoke. One of many actually enjoyable occasions for youths is the enormous leaf pile — a group of fallen leaves gathered from all the various timber within the gardens. Youngsters get to run by way of, soar, scatter and throw leaves within the air — as Teed factors out, one among nature’s finest leisure values, and also you don’t should do the raking.
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Meals vans will probably be that includes apple-related meals and treats. One of many favourites is a slice of apple pie and on closing day, complete pies might be bought. Apple drinks will probably be accessible, together with some spiced up, non-alcoholic apple ciders.
For anybody who has an apple tree at dwelling, however they don’t seem to be certain of the variability, Teed suggests bringing a pattern to have it recognized by Grasp Gardeners and some native apple growers who will probably be volunteering to share their information.
The Tasting Tent may be very fashionable. You’ll have a chance to pattern apple slices from over 40 varieties to get a way of the flavours and textures of some very completely different apples. The Tasting Tent is open from 11 a.m. to three:30 p.m. each days.
An excessive amount of credit score for this Pageant should go to the FOGs. Sinclair reminisced in regards to the lengthy historical past of this fashionable occasion. She stated preparations for the Pageant start nearly a yr prematurely by enlisting B.C. growers to produce the various completely different apple varieties wanted. A big problem right now is the dwindling variety of smaller, family-run apple farms and the retirement of many older growers. It’s turning into rather more tough to search out heritage apples as a result of right now’s bigger scale growers are specializing in increased volumes of fewer varieties.
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Climate, too, is all the time a priority. This yr, native Fraser Valley growers confronted an extended, moist, chilly spring, which might adversely have an effect on pollination and subsequently, the portions of mature fruits. Add to that, the logistics of getting so many sorts from so many alternative sources to reach at a really particular time after which protecting them contemporary and enticing — properly, it’s not onerous to think about the challenges concerned.
Labelling the various completely different varieties and readying them on the market is one other mammoth activity that falls to the wonderful FOGs volunteers, who’re the center and soul of this occasion.
I requested Sinclair what she likes most in regards to the Pageant, and he or she replied, “The magic of the day. So many households popping out to the gorgeous gardens, little kids dancing to the musical leisure and people merely having fun with the day.”
Please notice: There is no such thing as a parking on the gardens throughout this occasion, so plan accordingly. There are parkades shut by with shuttle buses.
All particulars of this occasion, together with learn how to buy tickets and learn how to volunteer, might be discovered on-line at applefestival.ca.
