Newton’s first outdoor celebration of spring, the Apple Blossom Festival, is set for Friday, April 25, at Newton Presbyterian Manor. The event runs from 5 to 8 p-m, on the Manor lawn at 1200 E. Seventh in Newton.
“Every local family should consider adding this fun event to their weekend calendar,” said Noelle Dickinson, marketing director. “Children love all the carnival fun planned just for them while their parents and grandparents can relax and enjoy the food, vendors and local entertainers.”
Dinner is 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. A drive-thru is also available off of the Broadway Apartments entrance for those unable to stay for the evening. Proceeds of the meal benefit Presbyterian Manor’s Good Samaritan Fund.
Live entertainment begins at 4:45 p.m. and includes the Midian Shrine Hillbilly Band, followed by the Manor’s on-campus Apple-A-Day Preschool at 5:50 p.m.
At 6:05, Presbyterian Manor’s own Senior Players, a readers’ theater troupe, will perform one piece followed by the Newton Community Children’s Choir. Bethel College Academy Suzuki Strings are featured at 6:35, followed by the Azteca Dancers. The Great Plains Jazz Orchestra will cap off the evening at 7:15.
KidFest on the east lawn is a Festival favorite including activities and fun for children of all ages. Featured this year are a new petting zoo with pony rides, a climbing wall, fun cycles, an obstacle course, moonwalk and 18’ slide as well as carnival games and prizes. Children may play all evening with a $4 stamp.
Crafters and local commercial vendors will be selling gifts, jewelry and home décor, and promoting local businesses. Antique cars will be on display, and horse-drawn carriage rides are available for the whole family. A baked goods booth will sell homemade sweet treats to eat or take home for later.
Festival meal tickets are $7 in advance for adults and $8 on site. Kids’ meal packs are $3 in advance and $4 the evening of the Festival. Tickets are available at the Manor and Midland National Bank. This year’s festival kicks off Newton Presbyterian Manor’s 65th anniversary year.
Thanks to generous local businesses, a silent auction and drawing will feature gift baskets perfect for Mother’s Day, a family night out or a day on the golf course. Tickets are available at the Festival and winners will be announced that evening. Donations are still being accepted by calling Hollie Christy at (316) 283-5400.
All proceeds of the Festival will benefit the Good Samaritan Fund, which provides financial assistance for Manor residents who have outlived their personal resources.
“We want to especially thank our Apple Blossom Festival sponsors,” said Marc Kessinger, executive director. “Their support is what makes this wonderful community event possible.”
Premier sponsors of Festival 2014 are First Presbyterian Church, St. Luke Evangelical Church and Sutherland Builders.
To date, Major Sponsors include Alliance Monitoring, Fugate Enterprises/Taco Bell and Good Shepherd Hospice. General Sponsors are Central Mechanical Wichita, Edward Jones – Mark Frazier, Knudsen, Monroe & Co., Midland National Bank, Newton Medical Center and Tippin Dental Group.