- Scott Park will hold Pumpkins and Pooches alongside Apple Jam this Saturday, Oct. 28
- Apple Jam will feature loads of local apples, alongside pies, pastries, ciders and other delectable items
- Pumpkins and Pooches will include plenty of pup-oriented events with a Halloween theme
EASTON, Pa. — It’s a fall festival mashup with something for everyone this weekend at Easton's Scott Park, where fans of apples, pumpkins and — of course — pooches all can find enjoyment.
On Saturday, Oct. 28, Pumpkins and Pooches will join forces with Apple Jam to create the most fall-centric festival pairing you can imagine at Scott Park.
Easton Farmers’ Market will hold a collection of tastings, contests, desserts, libations, fall activities and more from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“It's really your preference, but we're going to have an abundance of both flavors, all different food items – smoothies, pastries, all kinds of stuff. So it's kind of like a free for all where you can come and test out and kind of pick for yourself, and find out what's your favorite flavor."Greater Easton Development Partnership’s Jessica Ferrara
It turns out the pairing was a product of unfortunate circumstances.
“We were supposed to have this as two separate events, but what wound up happening was the weather was not cooperating with us," Greater Easton Development Partnership’s Jessica Ferrara said.
"So we had to actually combine a couple of these events, and it turned into almost a Fall Harvest Fest, if you will.”
Fortunately, it appears Easton will see a sunny Saturday with temperatures climbing to the upper 70s or perhaps the low 80s — not exactly fall weather, but perfect for a day out in the park.
Apples — and more — galore
Apple Jam will offer more than 20 varieties of apples from across the northeast stretch of the country, including heirloom and organic options.
Many of the market’s four dozen vendors also will have apple-inspired treats, including apple cider donuts, strudel, pies, tarts and pastries, salads, homemade ice cream from Nest Box Creamery with apple cider floats, caramel apple streusel ice cream and pumpkin gingersnap ice cream, savory sausages and more.
"It's kind of like a free-for-all all where you can come and test out and kind of pick for yourself, and find out what's your favorite flavor.”Greater Easton Development Partnership’s Jessica Ferrara
Green Vida Co. will give away Popsicles while supplies last.
There also will be a plethora of apple-centric beverages to quench your thirst — including fresh-pressed cider, hard cider, and apple juice cocktails.
Of course, the wide variety of farm-fresh, locally grown fruits are the stars of the show — those ambrosial apples are perfect for cooking, baking or just snacking on their own.
Plenty for pumpkin people, too
Perhaps you’re more of a pumpkin person, in which case you can enjoy the greatest of gourds at Pumpkins and Pooches.
Yup, that’s right, doggos are involved as well.
Kids at Pumpkins and Pooches can do trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and additional crafts during market hours.
Dog events will include a Howl-O-Ween agility course and photo opportunity featuring beautiful autumn backdrops along the riverfront.
Organizers ask attendees to use the hashtag #EFMmarketpups to spread the love for pumpkin pooches.
There also will be a dog costume contest in which pups and owners will be awarded Most Original Costume, Funniest Costume, Cutest Costume, Best Dog and Owner Duo, and Best Group Costume.
Participants will need to post their pictures with the #EFMmarketpups hashtag.
Guest vendors at the event will include Airmidian Natural Remedies, Antojitos Latinos Restaurant, Earthen Goat, Easton Candle Co., Heart Beet Studios, The Nesting Box, Spring Garden Street Herbals, Kashmir and Ewe, Fraktured Sauces, My Little Farmstand, The Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm and Homestead of Easton.
Live music will be provided by Mike Frank and Friends from 10 a.m. through noon.
Free parking for the Easton Farmers’ Market will be available in the two lots adjacent to Scott Park.
If you’re looking to answer the age-old question of what’s the best fall flavor, you couldn’t find a more perfect arena, Ferrara said.
While the New York Post has suggested apple may be replacing pumpkin spice — which doesn’t include pumpkin itself, mind you — as the preferred flavor of fall, at the end of the day, it’s all in the tastebuds of the beholder.
“It's really your preference, but we're going to have an abundance of both flavors, all different food items — smoothies, pastries, all kinds of stuff," Ferrara said.
"So it's kind of like a free-for-all all where you can come and test out and kind of pick for yourself, and find out what's your favorite flavor.”
