Telegraph file photo A giant bin of fresh-picked apples greet visitors to the 2019 AppleFest, a two-day Nashua Salvation Army fundraiser that takes place this year on Saturday and Sunday at Sullivan Farm in Nashua. (Telegraph file photo)

NASHUA — Hundreds of harvest-season enthusiasts from across Greater Nashua and beyond will be descending upon Nashua’s last remaining working farm this weekend, as AppleFest, the Salvation Army’s signature fundraiser, takes place for the 13th year.

After making the tough decision to cancel the 2020 AppleFest due to the pandemic, organizers were more than happy to start making plans last spring for the event’s return.

The two-day event takes place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Sullivan Farm, 70 Coburn Ave.

“We’re so excited and thankful to be able to host AppleFest again,” Salvation Army spokeswoman Amie Groff said this week.

“Our sponsors have been fabulous this year, doing a little more for us and (being) very supportive,” she said, adding that some sponsors are planning to set up a booth to greet visitors with giveaways.

Telegraph file photo Visitors to the Salvation Army's 2019 Applefest stroll among the attractions upon arriving at Sullivan Farm for the annual fundraiser. This year's event is Saturday and Sunday from 10-4. (Telegraph file photo)

Groff said organizers are not requiring masks be worn, as everything is taking place outside. All the doors to the main barn, where the farmstand is located, will be wide open, she added.

While masks are not mandatory, individuals and families who wish to wear them are encouraged to do so. While the turnout is typically robust, social distancing is still possible, as the activities are spread out over most of the farm’s 17 acres.

As for the lineup of attractions, pretty much all of the ones present two years ago will be back this weekend, from pony rides and a petting zoo to the hayride and make-your-own scarecrows, plus pumpkin painting, face painting, crafts and games with prizes.

There will be plenty of culinary offerings as well: Obviously, apple pie and ice cream will be served, and grills will be hot with hamburgers, hot dogs and sausage.

Snacks like cotton candy and popcorn will be available as well.

Salvation Army AppleFest logo

A band will be playing throughout the event, Groff said. And as in past years, Nashua Fire Rescue, AMR ambulance and Nashua Police will each have vehicles on display, sort of a mini-touch-a-truck event with tours of the vehicles for kids.

For more information, contact Groff at 889-5151 or Amie.Groff@USE.SalvationArmy.org.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

An assortment of newly painted pumpkins dry in the foreground while young artists create a new batch at the 2019 AppleFest. This year's event is Saturday and Sunday at Sullivan Farm. (Telegraph file photo)