1st Place
Apple Pie Contest
By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — Into each life a little rain must fall. Unfortunately, for those looking forward to a sun-filled Apple Festival on the ground of the Rev. Daniel Putnam House last Saturday, it was not to be.
While the forecast on Friday had called for some rain on Saturday, it was not anticipated to be as soggy as it turned out. But the wet weather did not deter several hundred hardy folks of all ages to come on down and enjoy the festivities hosted by the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society for the townspeople to enjoy while supporting the preservation of the town’s historic gems for the past three decades.
“The Festival raised about $3,000 for the Society’s efforts to preserve and protect North Reading history,” stated Matthew T. Page, the recently elected president of the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society.
“We owe a special thanks to our sponsors—CDG Realty, Winter Hill Bank, Fitzgerald & Associates, The Savings Bank, The Sullivan Realty Group, and Reading Cooperative Bank—as well as everyone who came to the Festival despite the wet weather!” Page added.
CLASSIC APPLE PIE CONTEST WINNERS
The blue ribbon for the best scratch apple pie in town in 2024 went to Gina Donnelly in the adult division. She won a $25 Ryer’s Gift Card and NRH&AS merchandise in addition to bragging rights. The runner up in the adult division was Ed Parish who was awarded NRH&AS merchandise.
The youth winner was Ryan Constantine, who won a $25 Ryer’s Gift Card & NRH&AS merchandise.
Youth Division Winner
Apple Pie Contest
Dozens upon dozens of slices of apple pie were served, many topped off with a delicious scoop of Richardson’s vanilla ice cream.
The day opened with the national anthem sung by Lexi Tammaro. Music by both NOTEtorious and Sal Liberto entertained the fair-goers as well and a pair of ponies, Nick and Bonnie, were a favorite attraction for the kids.
The delicious BBQ cooked to order by the members of the Minit and Militia was a popular stop for all the attendees who also enjoyed cups of hot apple cider provided by Boy Scout Troop 750 served by a blazing fire in the Sgt. Flint House.
The booths were abuzz with vendors selling their wares while community groups and politicians communicated their messages with attendees, with many offering kids’ games to entertain the little ones.
Most of the historic buildings on the grounds were open for self-guided tours, including the farm museum, schoolhouse, Sgt. Flint House, First Meeting House, and the 1720 Rev. Daniel Putnam House.
Runner Up
Apple Pie Contest
ARTWORK WINNERS
Donated artwork in the Apple Fest’s combined Raffle/Silent Auction of original works were won as follows: “Fog Setting In” by Carol Bourque: Susan Warren; “Streak of Gold” by Cheryl Warner Foley: Jami Tencati; Snowman Welcome Slate by Angela Mauceri: Bernice Guy; Hand-painted Whirlybird by Robert Lexth: Oliver Toledo; “House on the Hill” by Suzanne Korn: Amy Salomon; Three Dreamcatchers by Rebecca Collier: Roberta Sanchez; “Winter Nymph” by Nancy Stewart: Tom DeSwarte; “Woodland Pond” by Wendy Webster: Steve Lewis; “Farm House by the Pond” by Carol Bourque: Jami Tencati; “Winter Fun” by Louise Anderson: Patti Henni; and A Whimsical Wizard of Oz-Inspired Horse by Sandra Panico: Oliver Toledo.
GIFT CARD RAFFLE WINNERS
The gift card raffle, generously donated by local business, and 50/50 raffle were also popular. The winers were as follows: 50/50 Raffle Winner: Dana Rowe; Ryer’s ($50): John Kennedy; Kitty’s ($50): Joe Harris; Stop & Shop ($50): Laura Caplan; Horseshoe Grille ($50): Michelle Estroff; Nan’s Cafe ($25): Bonnie Giglio; Boston Flower Market ($25): Anne Crissey; Nick’s Place ($20): Roberta Sanchez; and Hornet’s Nest (2 Pizzas): Erin McGillivrey
Click below for more photos from the Apple Festival which are also published in today’s Transcript.