The Peru Gazette

Applefest Parade Grand Marshals John and Mary Roach

Posted September 22, 2008
By John T. Ryan

St. Augustine’s 31st annual Applefest was a festive occasion in Peru (more photos) the weekend of September 21-22. John and Mary Roach were Grand Marshals of Saturday’s noontime parade, which began a weekend of enjoyment music, crafts, games and food. St. Augustine’s Pastor Rev. Alan Shnob called the weekend a wonderful success. He said, “I want to thank everyone who supported our Applefest and made it such a great success. I especially want to thank all the businesses that contributed. The parish has many big bills this time of year and this will really help!” Rev. Snob is hopeful that the Applefest will yield profit of $19,000 to $20,000 once all bills have been paid.

The Peru High School Band was one of Saturday’s parade highlights. Several parade-watchers commented on the band’s precision marching and snazzy uniforms. The North Country Mustang Club turned out in large numbers with beautiful Ford Mustangs from the earliest years of the Mustang onward. The recently updated Knights of Columbus float was very impressive and the Peru Mother’s Club float was beautiful with all the moms and children on board. Many people enjoyed the large selections of crafts that filled the parish center’s main room, the hallways and several classrooms. Fried bread dough, apple fritters, French fries, michigans, sausage and hamburgers were popular as always. The Sunday K of C chicken BBQ sold out after serving over 400 meals. Reggie Besaw was the winner of the raffle $1,000 prize that closed the weekend celebration.