Coeur d’Alene embraced the changing weather and the spirit of the fall season with several fall-themed events Saturday.

The 5th Street Farmers Market was transformed into a Harvest Market, featuring seasonal offerings from local vendors and live music.

“The Harvest Festival gives local farmers and vendors a chance to showcase their fall produce and goods,” said Mackenzie Macomber, marketing coordinator for the Downtown Coeur d’Alene Association.

Tastes of fall could also be found up and down Sherman Avenue as many businesses participated in the Downtown Association’s annual Apple Palooza competition.

The sold-out event let participants try a variety of apple-flavored treats, shop downtown businesses and vote on their favorite — the business with the apple treat that received the most votes Saturday will receive the 2024 Golden Apple Award.

Leah Roderick, the manager of Gelato By The Lake, said the shop typically sees a boost in business after Apple Palooza.

“Many people start coming in after discovering the shop through Apple Palooza, who didn’t know we were here before,” Roderick said.

Emerge, an art collective on Second Street, reported a similar experience.

“It’s really great to get new people in, see new faces and get some exposure,” said Lennora Jackson, an intern at Emerge.

Josette Vail, the assistant manager of Revival Tea Company on First Street, described Apple Palooza as an “insanely busy” day for the tea shop.

“For past events, everyone has pretty much been in and out ... but today pretty much everyone has bought retail, food or drinks,” Vail said.

The Museum of North Idaho also held its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday at the museum’s future home in McEuen Park. The festival included live music, pumpkin painting and other crafts, hayrides and local history demonstrations.  

    Gelato By The Lake offered gluten-free warm apple pie tarts during Saturday's Apple Palooza in Downtown Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Mackenzie Macomber, marketing coordinator for the Downtown Coeur d’Alene Association, shows off this year's Golden Apple Award Saturday during Apple Palooza in Downtown Coeur d'Alene.