The 42nd Annual Apple Festival is getting ready for the final weekend of festivities. On October 12th and 13th, thousands of apple lovers made their way to Ellijay for all of the family fun.The weekend was started off with multiple activities. The weather was near perfect for the first weekend.

The 37th Annual Apple Festival 5K Road Race and Fun Run started the festival. Nearly 200 participants were out early Saturday morning to kickoff the event.

Steve Bell, Tommy Jones, and Alex Stolz where the top runners in the event.

All the running worked up an appetite; so, it was time for the Apple Cake Contest. During this contest participates make a cake from scratch using locally grown apples.

Mary Beth Meadows took the 2nd place prize of $100 while Jamie Ashton took the Blue Ribbon and $300 prize.

Games, food and craft booths lined the Lions Club Fairgrounds for all sorts of family fun and entertainment.

To keep the guys and car lovers busy the Apple Classic Auto Show was going on Saturday. Over a hundred cars were out to look at and admire.

The final weekend of Apple Festival is this Saturday and Sunday October 19th & 20th. The Apple Festival parade will be at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday the 19th in downtown Ellijay. Looking forward to seeing you there.