The Sullivan Greenhouse and Orchard, established in 1911 and documented by historians as the last farm in Nashua, is the site of ongoing Applefest fundraisers for the Salvation Army of Nashua. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

NASHUA – Kathy and Bobby Williams, fourth-generation stewards of Sullivan Greenhouse and Orchard, located at 70 Coburn Ave., Nashua, invite their closest hundreds of friends to the 17th autumn celebration of Applefest, a sweet tradition of family fun on tap from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on Oct. 4-5.

“We’ve had this farm in our family for more than 100 years,” said Bobby. “This fundraiser happens every year to benefit the Salvation Army of Nashua and the day includes hayrides aboard a wagon I built that’s drawn by a tractor I drive — the kids love it.”

The benefit will also be highlighted with live music, vendors, artworks and crafts. Visits with a mama alpaca and her baby, “Jumper,” await. A crowing red rooster with an entourage of not-so-loud hens expects visits from the curious.

A huge barn alongside a towering silo and the vintage greenhouse and farmstand shop will be open for exploration and the purchase of souvenirs. Fire trucks, police cars and an ambulance are expected to be on exhibit.

Katherine “Kathy” Williams said she always looks forward to Applefest. She is the great-granddaughter of Joseph Sedlewicz, an agricultural pioneer who bought the property in 1911 for dairy and vegetable farming.

The owners of Sullivan Greenhouse and Orchard are Kathy and Bobby Williams, fourth-generation stewards of the 52-acre property whose farm equipment includes this sturdy wagon, one built and displayed here by Bobby, now preparing for hay rides on Oct. 4-5 at Applefest. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Later, Kathy’s father, Leopold Sedlewicz, took the helm and established the apple farm. Today, Mackintosh apples of the summer harvest hang ripe and red from the boughs.

Longtime event coordinator Amie Groff noted on behalf of the Salvation Army of Nashua that the historic Sullivan farm is especially appreciated for providing Applefest the extensive property which is the last remaining farm in Nashua.

“Applefest is a great family-friendly event with activities for the whole family, including games, crafts, apple picking and, of course, apple crisps,” said Groff. “We have many amazing community sponsors and in-kind donors that help make the event a huge success.”

More information on Applefest 2025 is available from the Salvation Army of Nashua at 603-889-5151.

Games, hay rides, apple crisp and other treats, plus activities for all ages, including pumpkin painting, will highlight the upcoming Applefest event at Sullivan Greenhouse and Orchard in Nashua. File photo by DEAN SHALOUP

Hundreds of apple trees at Sullivan Greenhouse and Orchard grace the site of the Applefest fundraiser for the Salvation Army of Nashua, a 17th celebration scheduled for Oct. 4-5. File photo by DEAN SHALOUP

The 17th celebration of Applefest, a benefit for the Salvation Army of Nashua, is on tap from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sullivan Greenhouse and Orchard, 70 Coburn Ave., Nashua, on Oct. 4-5. File photo by DEAN SHALOUP