A local school has invited the wider community to help celebrate a tradition that has spanned more than three decades.
Ocean Grove Primary School’s (OGPS) Apple Fair returns this weekend for its 28th edition, featuring amusement rides, live music, a local makers market, a silent auction and food and drink from across the region.
The biggest event on the school’s calendar, the Apple Fair is organised and run by a parent-led volunteer group and is a major annual fundraiser for OGPS.
Apple Fair committee convener Steph King said the excitement was palpable among students, staff and families alike.
“I went to Ocean Grove Primary myself, and I remember the first one back in 1995,” she said.
“Back then we were apple bobbing, there were very simple school fair activities, but the event has very much evolved 30 years later.
“Our focus is on keeping that much-loved family tradition alive for the kids and their families, but it’s now a really community-focused event.”
This year the funds raised, which have already crested the $40,000 mark, will go toward a school-wide Resilience Project program.
Ms King said the decision to put the money into the well-being program was made after seeking feedback from students’ families, which gave the whole school community a sense of ownership over the event.
“On the day itself we have over 150 parent volunteers doing shifts on activities and rides, not to mention in the weeks and months leading up to the event,” she said.
“So we always ask the parents and the kids what they would like to see at the school. It’s different every year.”
Ms King thanked the Ocean Grove community for its ongoing support of the fair.
“We’re the oldest school here in Ocean Grove and we’re a growing town, so to be able to keep these community connections is really important for us,” she said.
“We’ve had sponsorship into the tens of thousands, but it’s just as much about people helping out. It’s a true Ocean Grove event that I think means a lot more than fundraising.
“There’s so much pride in our town and this is our way of coming together to celebrate that.”
The OGPS Apple Fair is on Saturday 14 March from 11am to 4pm. Visit oceangroveapplefair.com.au for more information.
