For residents of Mars Borough, the first Saturday in October means only one thing: the annual Applefest event.

This year, Applefest is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The event, hosted each year by the Rich-Mar Rotary Club of Richland Township and Mars, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to Harry Austin, community and media coordinator for Applefest, event organizers expect attendance in the thousands, if weather cooperates.

“Over the past two years, Mars Applefest has attracted 9,000 to 10,000 guests,” Austin said. “For this year, we hope to have the same.”

Sections of the borough’s Pittsburgh Street and Grand Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic and stuffed to the brim with food and craft vendors — a total of 145 this year, according to Austin.

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