Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society will host the 17th annual Apple Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 9, from noon to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the mansion, 230 Locust Grove Road, Bainbridge.

"This is a very family-oriented day," said Elaine Jackson, event chair. "There are lots of games for children to play, and you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Susquehanna River."

Children's festivities will include information about Johnny Appleseed, apple activities, a coloring station, Frisbee throwing, jumping rope and more.

Food options will include grilled bratwurst, hot dogs, homemade baked beans, applesauce, cider, soup, chips and a variety of apple desserts. "We always use Groff's bratwurst," Jackson noted. "The apples we use are donated by Masonic Villages." Homemade baked goods will also be for sale.

The festival will feature a silent auction of items donated by local businesses. "We usually have mums and other fall flowers, donated by River Road Produce in Marietta," Jackson remarked. "Nissley Vineyards gives us tickets to events, and M&M Mars always donates to our auction."

Live bluegrass music will be performed by South Mountain, and Ryan "The Bug Man" Bridge will present an educational program about insects. Darl Williams will serve fresh-pressed apple cider from his antique cider press.

Proceeds from the Apple Fall Festival will go toward the preservation and restoration of the mansion, which was the home of Samuel Haldeman, a renowned 19th-century naturalist. Currently, the Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society is working to restore mantels above the fireplaces located inside the mansion.

Jackson said anyone attending the Apple Fall Festival may bring a lawn chair to sit and enjoy the music, the food and the river views. "You can come for just an hour, or you can stay all afternoon," she commented. "It's just a nice time to get together with friends before the cold weather sets in. It's a chance to enjoy the outdoors, and it's a beautiful time of year to be on the grounds of the mansion."