Nothing says "fall" like apples, and Haldeman Mansion will put the fruit in the spotlight at the 16th annual Apple Fall Festival. The festival will be held at the mansion, 230 Locust Grove Road, Bainbridge, from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10.

"This is a fun day for families," said Elaine Jackson, corresponding secretary for the Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society. The festivities will include plenty of activities for kids such as bobbing for apples, a coloring contest, Frisbee throwing, jumping rope and more.

An extensive menu of food options will be offered, including grilled Groff's bratwurst, hot dogs, homemade baked beans, applesauce, mulled cider, chicken corn soup, bean soup, vegetarian apple squash soup and chips. Apple-focused desserts will include apple crisp, apple dumplings, apple pie, apple cake and more. Apples for the festival are donated by Masonic Villages.

A silent auction will be held, featuring gift cards to local restaurants and themed baskets.

Live music will be provided by singer and guitarist Vince Borelli, and Darl Williams will be on site serving up fresh-pressed cider from his antique cider press.

Ryan "The Bug Man" Bridge will also entertain, bringing a variety of insects for an educational presentation. It's fitting that Bridge will participate, Jackson said, because Samuel Haldeman was a nature lover who spent a lot of time outdoors examining bugs and other creatures. "The river that's close by was his playground," noted Jackson of Haldeman, who was born in the mansion in 1812. The Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society works to restore the home and keep its history alive. "We want to continue to offer education programs and make this a place to learn about the history of this area," Jackson explained. Tours of the mansion will be offered at the festival.

Proceeds from the event will help with restoration projects at the mansion, and the money is especially important this year, Jackson emphasized, noting that other fundraising events the society typically holds throughout the year were canceled due to the pandemic.

"This is really a community-supported event," she said, acknowledging the local businesses and organizations that donate items for the auction and the people who attend the festival. "It's just a nice day to relax, enjoy good music and meet new people while seeing your friends again."