"Smilin Joe" rides in parade on a mechanical horse. Photo: Joe Williams
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Versailles Old Tyme Apple Festival
Originated by the Versailles Kiwanis Club and
the Chamber of Commerce to promote business and tourism, the
first Versailles Old Tyme Apple Festival was held September
27, 1980. That first event offered a parade with bands and a
kids' section featuring Mickie and Minnie Mouse, an antiques
auction, puppet shows, pony rides, a drama presentation on the
courthouse steps, a bareback riding marathon, craft and food
vendors, and contests, including apple-peeling, nail-driving,
log-sawing, face-painting, bubble-gum blowing, and a cake
walk. There were craft demonstrations of making apple butter,
beeswax candles, apple-drying and barnwood painting.
Businesses vied for the title "Best Antique Window
Display."
Today's festival is held the first Saturday in
October, and, along with the traditional parade, includes such
events as an apple-pie contest, fiddlers' contest, gospel singing,
tractor show, marathon runs, car cruise, demolition derby, and
decorating contest. A live play production is presented in the
Royal Theatre, an old movie theater in Versailles.
Project is documented with an eight page narrative on
the history of the event and 25 large color photographs.
Originally submitted by: Ike Skelton, Representative (4th District).
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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
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