Harcourt Applefest sees hundreds fill town in support of the local community.

Harcourt Applefest celebrates local produce and talent as well as showing off Harcourt’s strong sense of community.

Applefest organiser Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns said the event's reputation had built over 28 years.

"It's been going for 28 years, so we have built a real following," she said.

"It's a blend of the old and new. We have some fantastic quirky country activities like ferret races and pie-eating competitions along with  more contemporary music and kids activities. It really is something for every one."

Ms Brodie-Hanns said Applefest also supports a number of local groups.

"We are continuing our support of  local community groups by provide fundraising opportunities for the Harcourt Valley Primary School, Harcourt Kindergarten, the local CFA, three branches of the CWA and the football club.

"The event is valuable to Harcourt's economy but, most importantly, to growing our community."

One of the most quirky traditions is the Applefest royals - King Jonathan and Lady William - who are played by community members.

This year's royals were Jarrod Coote and Rebecca Edwards while Kay Francis was named Granny Smith.

"They are locals who represent Applefest through the year and lead the procession to launch the opening of Applefest," Ms Brodie-Hanns said. 

"Jarrod is the president of Harcourt Valley Landcare and both (Jarrod and Rebecca) are paddock to plate boutique farmers which is a real new thing for Harcourt."

Ms Brodie-Hanns said while apple growing was still strong in Harcourt, there were a number of small crop farmers doing fantastic things.

"It's the revitalisation of our agriculture" she said. "We now have small farmers coming back and establishing a new cultures and apple farms but also other fruits including berries are emerging.

"We also have pork, beef and even small dairy farms. It is re-localising our production, which is fantastic."

The new and returning agricultural businesses in Harcourt have been encouraging for long-term residents.

"Lots of families and people are returning. It is a growing place," Ms Brodie-Hanns said.

"It's been earmarked in the regional growth strategy because it's so centrally placed with Castlemaine at our back door, Bendigo down the road and access to Melbourne being really convenient.

"We are getting the train station reinstated, it's still a few years away and we are actually the youngest population in the Mount Alexander Shire and are under the regional average for our population."

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