Livermore's Applefest! Offers a Delicious Family Time

Roxbury Russet. Pink pearl. Rome Beauty. Red Astraction.

These are just a few of the delectable delights that await visitors of the 13th annual Livermore Area Recreation and Park District's Applefest!

The event takes place this Sunday, Sept. 8 from 1-3 p.m. at Ravenswood Historic Site, 2647 Arroyo Rd. and offers a chance to tour the orchards (begins at 1:15 p.m.) and taste antique apple varieties like the ones mentioned above.

"We planted 35 trees in 2007, about 30 different varieties," says Livermore Area Recreation and Park District Ranger Amy Wolitzer. "Most are ready to eat right off the tree. It's really exciting to be able to pick an apple and take a big bite of it."

Activities during Applefest! include making cider, playing old-fashioned games and tours of the historic buildings.

Other apple varieties grown at Ravenswood include sops n' wine, tremblett's bitter, pumpkin russet and Belle de Booskoop.

There is no charge for the event, however there is a $5 parking fee at both entrances to Sycamore Grove Park. Donations are also requested to support the program ($2 per person suggested).

Apple Fun Facts*

Did you know ...

• Apples originated in Central Asia
• There are more than 7,500 known varieties
• About 69 million tonnes of apples were grown worldwide in 2010, and China produced almost half of this total.
• The first apple orchard on the North American continent was planted in Boston by Reverend William Blaxton in 1625.
  
• In the United States, more than 60% of all the apples sold commercially are grown in Washington state.