Apple Blossom Tyme Festival

For over 20 years Colborne Ontario takes advantage of its location next to Lake Ontario in prime Apple country and presents the Apple Blossom Tyme Festival at the start of Summer. Okay, May 27th-29th is not the official start of Summer, but a week after Victoria Day it is still the practical start in Eastern Ontario. Colleges are already out while grade and high schools will be out in 2-3 weeks. Planting on farms is passing full swing as is the trimming and prepping of fruit trees. Now Nature and the Bees Business awaits flowering and pollination – perfect time for a fest to launch into summer. But most important of all, Spring flowers and blossoms are in full beauty and bloom.

And the Apple Blossom Tyme Festival does not disappoint with three days crammed full of activities and events to please the whole family. For the kids there are the carnival rides and games, a live owl exhibition, soap box derby in 3 age groups, a spelling bee also in 3 age groups, kids tractor pull, Irish road bowling contest, and firefighter challenge contest among others. For the family, there are the Cramahe Heritage Walks, the Beautiful Baby contests, the classic car shine and show, and the vintage tractor show and contests. For art lovers, there are the Art Studio tour, the Twindmill Antiques Shows, Salem Quilters Comfort display, the Crossroad exhibition at the Colborne   Art Gallery, the Hoselton Scupture Tour and Sale, and more.

And the Apple Blossom festival is easy to get to. If you coming from Mississauga or the Toronto GTA its about 135km   and less for those starting in Whitby, Oshawa, Peterborough, and Lindsay. If you are coming from Kingston and area its about 130km and less for those starting in Belleville, Trenton, or Campbellford. The 401 is the fastest way – take the 497 exit for Colborne at the Big Apple   turn-off and just follow the road   3kms into town and the Festival. For those wanting to see the Apple Blossoms coming from Toronto and West, turn off at Cobourg and take Highway 2 for the last 30 kms to Colborne. For those coming from Kingston and East, take the Brighton turn off and travel west on Highway 2 for the last 30 kms   through farm and Apple country to Colborne.

In the evenings there are concerts and dining starting with the DJ Dance Party   at the Keeler Center at 8:00PM to 1:00AM on Friday [$10 tickets at the door] , the Apple Blossom Tyme Legion Dinner from 4:30 to 6:00PM on Saturday at the Royal Canadian Legion Center, and the Paul MacDonald Concert at 7:00PM Saturday at the Colborne Art Gallery[$20 tickets with a silent auction after the concert   of donated art works].

Events that occur on one day only are highlighted below:

Events on Saturday May 28th only
Antique Tool exhibition – 9:00AM 4:00PM	Tractor Show and Races – 9:00AM to 3:30PM Slow Tractor Race, Pop   Can Race, and Tractor Parade with commentary throughout the day.
5 Apple Blossom Baby Contests – 8:30 to 10:AM	Holcim Ogden Quarry Tours – 10:00AM to 3:00PM
3 Spelling Bee Contests   – starting at 10:00AM  Prizes of $150-1st, $75-2nd, $50-3rd for all 3 contests	New – Irish Road Bowling Contest – 11;30AM What is Road Bowling? It is an ancient sport, dating back to very early times, that has been played in Ireland for years!   Teams bowl “Bullets” underhand through a designated obstacle course approximately 3 miles (on the roadway).   The first team to the finish line with the least amount of “Bowls” wins! This is a family friendly event. New – Kids Pedal Tractor Pull – 11:30 AM 3 Weight Divisions for boys and girls. 3 pulls on the pedals with sucessively heavier wiehts toping out at 75pounds. Furthest pull determines the winner.
Live Exhibition of Native Owls – 12 Noon	SoapBox Derby, 3 Divisions – 12:30PM
Comfort Quilt Show – 10:00AM to 4:00PM	Big Apple Pie Eating Contest – 3:00PM, Juniors and Seniors
Events on Sunday May 29th Only
Classic Car Shine and Show Contests – 9:00AM to 3:30PM	Ecumenical Worship Service – 11:00AM
TwindMills Market Antiques Extravaganza – 9:AM to 4PM	Closing Day – 3:30PM  Award Presentations 50-50 Draw

As one can see the Apple   Blossom   Tyme Festival is full of fun for the whole family.