The harvest is in and a wide variety of events themed around this fruit are held throughout the Twin Cities. Apple Fest invites guests to play games, crafts and activities related to all sizes and colors of apples. Visit the apple orchard and meet Johnny Appleseed himself. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.; noon-4 p.m. next Sun. $7-$10. Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life, 2097 W. Larpenteur Av., Falcon Heights. www.rchs.com.) The Apple Festival at Afton Orchard has hayrides, cider pressing demonstrations and pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. Dive into a giant mound of hay or attempt to get through a 15-acre corn maze. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-next Sun. $2-$3. Afton Apple Orchard, 14421 S. 90th St., Hastings. www.aftonapple.com.) The Landing's Apple Fest offers a historical perspective from presenters who discuss how pioneers established a winter-hardy apple. Get 19th-century recipes and observe artisans demonstrating their skills. Trolley rides pulled by draft horses are offered. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; noon-5 p.m. next Sun. $3-$5. The Landing, 2187 E. Hwy. 101, Shakopee. www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.)
It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.
