ORGANISERS say they expect this weekend's Harcourt Applefest to be one of the most fruitful in the event's 25 year history.
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Organising committee member George Milford said he expected about 3000 apple enthusiasts to take part in the event which celebrates the town's biggest product.
"The highlight this year is that everything is going to be bigger and better than ever before," he said.
"There will be a tremendous amount of market stalls and an amazing 'Kids Karnival' with a petting zoo with farm animals, rides and other attractions."
He said the festival had come a long way since the first event.
"It used to be about 30 stallholders and now it takes up the entire side of the park," he said.
Harcourt produces about 40 per cent of Victoria's apples.
Mr Milford said he favoured the sweet taste of a crisp Fuji apple.
Mike and Lyn Rule will hold court as Applefest royalty, King Jonathon and Lady William.
Mr Milford said the pair's responsibilities were similar to those of real life royalty.
"They just have to be gracious and do the royal wave, basically," he said.
Mr Milford said the event he looked forward to most each year was the art show, held both days at the ANA hall.
This year's art show has attracted a record number of entries, with 190 pieces on display, about 30 more than the previous year. Art work will be available for purchase.
The other major highlight of the festival is the street parade.
"It's a colourful array of floats; the kids all decorate their bikes, the old guys bring out their farm machinery and there's vintage cars," Mr Milford said.
Mr Milford said Applefest was one of the most important times of the year for the Harcourt community.
"It's the principal fundraiser for a lot of the groups in town; the CWA, football club, the heritage museum, the school."