Donnybrook produce to be showcased at festival

Organisers are hopeful more than 10,000 people will come through the gates of the Donnybrook Apple Festival this weekend.

Festival committee chairwoman Fiona Butterly said she thought the forecast of wintry conditions would not stop people enjoying more free activities than ever at the event.

“We think there might be a bit of rain but then things will be mostly fine over the weekend,” she said.

“There are tons of free things to do and we’ve got the biggest marquee in the South West that will be full of produce.

“We normally get around 7000 or 8000 but we’re hoping to crack the 10,000 mark because we’ve really made an extra effort to promote it this year.”

Saturday will be packed with motor trial displays, cooking and horticulture demonstrations, tastings, a street parade before a free family concert and fireworks in the evening.

The action will continue with more demonstrations as well as Easter egg hunts on the Sunday.

Mrs Butterly said it was the first time cooking demonstrations had been incorporated into the festival.

“The festival is about showing people what this region produces because we are the fruit bowl of Western Australia,” she said.

“The harvest highway runs right through here and all the produce is growing here — the lamb, the honey, the olive oil, everything.

“It’s incredible what this region produces and you need to brag about it, we feel that having some cooking demonstrations allows us to do that a little bit more.”

Throughout the two days sideshow alley will also be in full swing with plenty of things to keep children entertained including face painting, a silent disco and laser tag.

“There will be free entry from 5pm on Saturday so people can come in to watch the concert and the fireworks,” Mrs Butterly said.

“We really want to bring families in and that’s why there’s been an emphasis on more free stuff.

“There’s still sideshow alley and showbags ... but you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a good day.”