WORKING TOGETHER — From left, Lisa Merigo of Follansbee assisted 2-year-old Eva Dofka with a jack o’lantern while five-year-old A.J. Beard offered suggestions and eight-year-old Myah Beard labored on her own during the pumpkin-carving contest held during the Wellsburg Applefest Saturday. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — From a variety of food and music to various activities for children, the Wellsburg Applefest had appeal to attendees of all ages.

This weekend, Charles Street was lined with many vendors selling a variety of food, crafts and other merchandise, while Sixth Street and adjacent grassy lot was filled with classic cars and motorcycles.

Another lot was occupied by a petting zoo and pony rides offered by Double B Stables of Weirton, while a miniature train carried many attendees through the city’s downtown area.

A string of bounce houses lined one end of the Wellsburg Town Square, where pop, country and rock singers and bands could be found entertaining many who watched from bleachers, benches or tables.

The square also was occupied by several young vendors, who were invited by the Wellsburg Applefest Committee to sell products at no charge.

TAKING A RIDE — Many families attending the Wellsburg Applefest this weekend enjoyed a train ride around the city’s downtown area. There also were bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, car show and an opportunity for youth to operate their own booths in addition to the many vendors selling assorted food and other merchandise. -- Warren Scott

Ernie Jack, who heads the group, said adults may help them set up but the goal is for the youth to gain experience in doing business on their own.

Among them was Maddie Abercrombie of Wheeling, whose table was filled with beaded bracelets and necklaces she has made.

“I’m really happy with the things I’ve sold so far. I’m hoping to sell out,” she said.

Of her crafts she said, “I saw them online and I thought, maybe I can make my own.”

Noting it was her first year to staff a booth at the festival, Abercrombie said her brother, Charles, participated last year but she hadn’t accumulated enough merchandise yet.

A FESTIVAL WITH APPEAL — Many turned out this weekend for the 46th-annual Wellsburg Applefest, surveying the many food and other vendors that lined Charles Street. -- Warren Scott

Sitting nearby, Charles was selling wooden Halloween and fall decorations he had made with his help from his father and painted himself.

Through the years, the Applefest has offered an opportunity for many nonprofit groups to raise money, and this year was no different.

Members of the Brooke High School Band worked one booth, selling many baked goods made by parents and themselves.

Calliegh Morton, a junior in the band’s color guard, said the proceeds will go to the band’s trip in April to Disney World, where they will perform in a parade in its Magic Kingdom.

“I’m really excited. It’s going to be a great trip,” she said.

It’s been a busy fall for the band, which emerged first runner up of 16 bands competing in the West Virginia Oil and Gas Festival held Sept. 13 in Sistersville.

The band also received gold medals for its field show, field commander and a bronze medal for percussion.

Another booth was filled with apple and many other pies, sold by the dish or slice by staff with area Kroger stores.

Cheri Daniels, store leader for Kroger’s Wellsburg location, said proceeds from the sales will go to the Salvation Army, Brooke County Animal Shelter and Brooke-Hancock Family Crisis Center.

“It’s been wonderful. We’ve seen a lot of people, including many of our regular customers,” said Daniels.

She noted Kroger’s district manager and managers from other area stores were helping out at the booth, which included a wheel-spinning game in which participants could win “Kroger swag” such as fans and sunglasses.

“We’re having a blast. It’s great to get out into the community,” said Daniels, who added staff from the store’s pharmacy would be administering flu shots there the next day.

Also new to the festival was Kathy Cicchirillo of Follansbee, who brought many pillows, wreaths and other hand-made items to sell.

Aidin her was her husband, Jim, who said, “This is our first year. They (the Wellsburg Applefest Committee) are very organized.”

The pair was impressed by the many people who turned out on Saturday.

Among them was Linda Williams of Wellsburg, who was accompanied by 14 family members, including some visiting from Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Asked what they enjoy most about the event, she said, “Everything. We just rode the train. Now they’re all getting apple dumplings.”

The fair was inspired by the Golden Grimes apple, a variety that was discovered on the farm of Thomas Grimes near the present site of state Route 27. Seeds for that type of apple are said to have been supplied by Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman.

While often considered a figure of folklore, Chapman was a real person who is believed to have planted apple trees in five states and Ontario, Canada, while preaching Christianity.