HARCOURT'S Applefest is embracing the new.
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The town has changed a lot in 30 years as boutique businesses move into the space once occupied by generational fruit growers. But the Applefest is moving with it.
A display from the Harcourt region's Indigenous community will be another new focus of the festival.
The Dja Dja Wurrung clans will run a Welcome to Leanganook session, including cooking, storytelling and interactive displays.
Applefest spokesman George Milford said more involvement of the Indigenous community was one of the clearest pieces of feedback from Harcourt residents.
"They're realising that the Indigenous folk have been left out of things and ignored until recently," he said.
Mr Milford expected the apples to draw people to the festival, but also the apple pies, the art show, the apple cider, Harcourt shiraz, and the prospect of a family day out.
He expected about 4000 people to visit the festival, from as far afield as Bendigo and Melbourne's suburbs.
Every community organisation in the Harcourt Valley gets behind the Applefest because it's a great get together and showcases all their activities.
- George Milford
Mr Milford said more apple products, and a greater variety, were available as new, boutique businesses developed with Harcourt's growth.
He said it had been a morale boost to the whole community to see these enterprises start up.
Mr Milford said all the on-farm businesses taking a site at the Applefest reflected the accepting nature of the town's industry.
It had also meant growth in the food and entertainment side of the Applefest.
"Every community organisation in the Harcourt Valley gets behind the Applefest because it's a great get together and showcases all their activities," Mr Milford said.
On stage punters can expect a bright, upbeat series of performances across the day.
Mr Milford said multiple children's activities would be available, at a lower cost than last year.
The event has accepted Mount Alexander Shire's challenge to go waste free, with food vendors using ordinary cutlery and keep cups encouraged.
Applefest, March 7, 9am-4pm, Harcourt.
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