Apples for all in the Grove

THE return of a much-loved family tradition is set to bring plenty of smiles to Ocean Grove next weekend.

The Ocean Grove Primary School (OGPS) Apple Fair will take place on 14 March and promises to be a fun-filled day of celebrations.

Now in its 28th year, the fair pays tribute to the school’s original grounds, which Join the 28th Ocean Grove Apple Fair on March 14! Enjoy rides, local stalls, and live music while supporting school wellbeing programs. were an apple orchard back in the 1800s.

Today, the event remains proudly community-focused, low-waste and inclusive, with an emphasis of giving a new lease on life to pre-loved items donated by families, including secondhand books, surfboards and wetsuits.

Fairy floss, candy, chocolate, all the best sweets will be on offer at the Apple Fair.

Market stalls from Bellarine makers and businesses will sit alongside local bands and musicians, while the ever-popular Rotary Club of Ocean Grove barbecue returns to keep crowds well fed. In keeping with its sustainability ethos, the fair will once again use reusable plates, bowls and cups to reduce landfill.

More than 150 volunteers will roll up their sleeves to support the running of the event.

Apple Fair convenor and former student Steph King said there is a special magic which comes from running the event.

“As a student at OGPS back in the 90s, I still remember the excitement around school in the lead up to the fair,” she said. “It’s such an important tradition for our community that everyone remembers fondly as they grow up.

Ocean Grove Primary School is thrilled to be bringing their Apple Fair back for its 28th year. Photos: Supplied

“The event has come a long way since bobbing for apples almost 30 years ago. Now the whole school grounds transform into a wonderland of rides, entertainment and shopping that showcases the best of the Bellarine.

New to the event this year will be the pre-loved and unused surfboard and wetsuit stall, a tradies auction to determine the winner of 2-4 hours of tradies services, Pip’s Pony Club and a cute petting zoo.

Old favourites like the silent disco, haunted house, inflatable obstacle course, apple flavoured slushies, wood-oven pizzas and silent auctions will all feature on the day.

“The unmistakable smell of sizzling snags will waft through old Ocean Grove as we throw open the gates to our community,” King said.

“Come grab an apple cider, tray of oysters or glass of bubbles while you rock out to old favourites belted out by Madhouse, the Geelong-born 8-piece brass-driven cover band.”

All funds raised from the day will go towards running the The Resilience Project school wellbeing program.

For more details or to grab your tickets, head to oceangroveapplefair.com.au

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