Pioneer Apple Fest promises to be better than ever this year, with a variety of activities, food, crafts and history to engage even the hard to please.

Sponsored by the Lynn-Heidelberg Historical Society, the event in its 15th year, will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Ontelaunee Park, 7344 Kings Hwy, New Tripoli, as in the past.

At a board meeting in mid-September, Mary Warfel and Sally Smith of the Pioneer Apple Fest committee shared a lengthy menu of activities and events that are on the docket for this year.

Guests can feel the warmth of a fire at the Zeisloff House, watch a militia skirmish at Fort Everett or see farm animals up close and personal.

Visitors can feast on cabbage and noodles, sausage stew, french fries, perogies, pulled pork, apple funnel cakes and ice cream, just to name a few items for sale.

Baked goods will also be available for purchase.

Re-enactors will be on hand in the historic buildings and crafters will demonstrate spinning and basket making.

A kids’ craft tent will feature face painting and other activities and a hayride wagon will add to the delight and entertainment.

“I love the family friendly atmosphere and all the education about our local history in an informal and fun setting,” Smith said.

Pam Peters, a middle school teacher who also serves on the committee, will be bringing “between 16 and 20 eighth graders who are super-excited to be in costume.”

Peters said she found the costumes on the upper level of Ft. Everett and that they were “freshly laundered” for Pioneer Apple Fest.

“Pam has been a tremendous help in getting her students involved and educated in our wonderful local history,” Warfel said.

According to Peters, some of the students wanted to portray themselves as Zeisloff children.

“We’ve scheduled training sessions for the kids, so we’re good to go,” she said.

“We recommend a $5 per car donation for parking but there are no other fees,” Smith said.

“All demonstrations, reenactments, crafts, and other experiences like carriage rides and hayrides with an antique tractor are free and so much more,” Smith said.

“Everyone is invited to attend.”