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Apple Fest returns to Sandpoint for third year

by LAUREN REICHENBACH
Staff Writer | October 19, 2023 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Nothing says “fall” like the crisp crunch of an apple, and this Saturday there will be over 30 different kinds to chomp into at the University of Idaho’s third Apple Fest.

The event began just before the COVID-19 pandemic and returned last year to host over 400 attendees interested in learning more about the numerous apple varieties.

“One of my main takeaways from the event is the stunning amount of diversity that can come from one species of fruit,” said Kyle Nagy, superintendent and orchard operations manager at the University of Idaho’s Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center. “There are an infinite number of combinations of size, shape, color and flavor in this amazing fruit.”

The agricultural center grows over 68 varieties of apple and Nagy said he’s excited to offer over 30 of those varieties to guests this weekend. In addition to the taste testing, a limited amount of each variety will be available for purchase.

The event is free to the public and attendees can show up at any time between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, to enjoy the assortment of apples.

“Come on out and discover your new favorite apple,” Nagy said.

The U of I Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center — located at 10881 N. Boyer Road in Sandpoint — is the first and only USDA certified organic program in the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Faculty and students at the center focus on organic and sustainable crop production; pest and soil health management; native plant landscapes; horticulture; organic food processing and marketing; and food safety and nutrition.