Apple pressing festival to benefit wildlife foundation

Do you have apples but want apple cider instead?

You can do just that at the first Alan & Jeannie Roach Memorial Apple Pressing Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Monarch Market.

“Many of you know that Alan and Jeannie Roach loved this community and the wild creatures who called it home,” said Kathleen McGee, American Heritage Wildlife Festival American Heritage Wildlife Foundation founder and board of directors president. “Some of you know that Jeannie was a board member for many years. Her contributions included her exuberant joy during the meetings and the flair for decorating at the comedy show. This is our way to honor them — you see the apple press was theirs.”

To turn your apples into cider, you just need to bring your apples (and your own jugs) and American Heritage Wildlife Foundation volunteers will press them into cide for a donation to the foundation. Please make sure your apples are clean and bug free before brining them to the festival.

While you wait — each gallon takes about 15 minutes — play the various carnival style games including ringtoss, beanbag toss, frogpult, and many more. Or keep your strength to continue playing by enjoying the food and cotton candy and carmel apples.

Facepainting will also be happening.

All proceeds benefit the local injured and orphaned native nongame mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. AHWF is supported 100 percent by community funding ­— your pennies directly go into care for our native neighbors.

American Heritage Wildlife Foundation is a local professional wildlife rehabilitation facility. AHWF has permits from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish & Game allowing care of injured or orphaned nongame mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Information: Monarch Market, 208-266-1637; or American Heritage Wildlife Foundation, 208-266-1488