New this year is a schedule of events to make sure visitors don’t miss a demonstration or the restored mill grinding grain. The Hazeltine Library staff are holding a story time both days. The schedule will be posted on the Apple Festival Facebook page prior to the festival.

“We have been working on adding more vendor space, expanded electric service and better drainage in the vendor area and drainage in the parking lot – all to make the two day event better this year,” said Brad Buck, Busti Historical Society board president. “The Apple Festival will be Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. And we are always looking for volunteers to help at the event.”

The Busti Historical Society received grant funding for the campus improvements from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and the Hultquist Foundation. A free parking area is from the Busti-Sugar Grove Road, just south of the Busti 5-point intersection. Admission is $5 at the gate for adults, children under 12 are free.

“The Busti Apple Festival is held rain or shine, and we ask that you leave your pets home,” Buck said. “We are encouraging families to start a new tradition of taking a fall photo at the festival using one of our fall sceneries.”

Sponsors for the event are The Bucket, Wilcox Brothers, Brad Buck Trucking, The Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, the Bear Lake Inn and the Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.

Up to 150 craft and food vendors will fill the campus from the 1836 grist mill to the new parking area. More than 125 hand-made craft vendor spaces are available with an added area for commercial and non-profit vendors. There are pony rides, wagon rides, food trucks and a children’s area filled with old- fashioned toys.

The festival features many volunteers who will be demonstrating old-time everyday activities that are no longer done by hand. To be a demonstrator, email bustihistorical@gmail.com.

“We welcome anyone that is interested in everyday tasks from the mid-nineteenth century. If you would like to learn any of the tasks, please let us know,” said Victoria Parker of the society’s Demonstrator Committee. “New this year, wear your historic inspired costume to the festival! Over the years our volunteers have dressed in colonial or Victorian era outfits to help set the atmosphere. This year we would like to invite our guests to join us, so break out the hoop skirts and top hats and come join the fun.”

The Busti Cider Mill is a vendor at the festival selling bags of apples and gallons of cider. The Country Store, which is filled with handmade items benefits the Busti Historical Society.

The event features the restored 1836 grist mill. The mill is one of only a few working mills left in the northeast. Along with the mill is the miller’s house which is being lovingly restored to its 1846 elegance. Flour and corn meal, all ground at the mill, will be available for purchase. The mill will be running throughout the festival with educational tours available.

“The campus also has a museum about Busti history with several hands-on exhibits for children. Even if you have been to the museum every year – this year will be different,” said Joni Blackman, festival director. “We are adding a shuttle service this year to help move people around the campus. It looks like a train and is donated for the event by Brad Buck, board president.”

Additional information can be found on the Busti Historical Society’s Facebook page, facebook.com/bustihistoricalsociety and the website, www.busti-historical-society.weebly.com.