APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: FUN FOR A CAUSE 2019

Newton’s first outdoor festival of the year is set for Friday, April 26, and it just happens to be on the Newton Presbyterian Manor campus. Apple Blossom Festival, an annual Newton community favorite runs from 5 to 8 p.m. While fun is what the festival is all about, it’s fun for a really good reason.

“Every year the Newton community and the staff and residents of Newton Presbyterian Manor have a wonderful time at the Apple Blossom Festival,” said Noelle Dickinson, marketing director at Newton Presbyterian Manor. “But the event is about more than just generating smiles and good memories, it’s about helping our residents who need financial assistance to stay here.”

All proceeds of the Apple Blossom Festival benefit the Good Samaritan Program, which makes it possible for residents to continue to live at their Presbyterian Manor community when they have exhausted their financial resources through no fault of their own. This program provides more than $6.8 million a year in unreimbursed care and services across the Manor system.

The Festival includes dinner, which will be a pork barbecue with potato salad, baked beans and apple pie. Kids’ meal packs include pork barbecue, hot dog or hamburger with chips, a drink and a cookie.

KidFest on the east lawn is a Festival favorite including activities and fun for children of all ages. Invite your family! Pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, inflatables and carnival games are all available for a $5 wristband.

Local entertainers keep the evening festive with their variety of talents. On the schedule this year are:

4:45 – Shriner Jazz Band
5:40 – Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts
6:05– Presbyterian Manor’s own Apple–A-Day Preschool
6:20 – Newton Community Children’s Choir
6:45 – TBD
7:10 – Great Plains Jazz Orchestra

“It’s great to see all the enthusiasm and involvement of the local community on the Presbyterian Manor campus for the festival,” said Marc Kessinger, executive director. “Seeing the kids and families enjoying the evening is rewarding, and residents enjoy themselves at the festival, too.”

A bake sale and basket auction also raise funds. Vendors will also share their wares along Seventh St., and weather-permitting, a small collection of antique cars will be on display.

Festival meal tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Tickets are available at Newton Presbyterian Manor and Midland National Bank downtown and the south branch. If the weather does not allow an outdoor event, Apple Blossom Festival will relocate to the Harvey County fairgrounds buildings in Athletic Park at First and Grandview.

Community sponsorships are what make this event possible. Contact Noelle Dickinson at (316) 283-5400 or ndickinson@pmma.org for information on becoming a sponsor.

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