Apple Fest returns to downtown Sandpoint with fall fun for all ages.

It’s an event that’s sure to be a-peeling to people of all ages.

After all, the Sandpoint Shopping District’s Apple Fest is a p-apple-r event, featuring a host of apple-themed activities for kids and adults alike.

All puns aside, the family-friendly celebration — now in its fifth year — is a chance for downtown businesses to welcome fall in a fun and creative way. The day is packed with everything from apple pie contests to the fan-favorite apple chucking from the deck of the Cedar Street Bridge into the waters of Sand Creek.

Both events offer a chance to win cash prizes.

Entrants in the apple pie contest must submit their pies by 9 a.m. Saturday, with judging beginning at 11 a.m.

While it’s a celebration of the season, Sandpoint Shopping District officials said it’s also a chance for locals to enjoy an event that feels a bit more “theirs.”

“Come downtown. All the tourists are gone; it’s our town again. Let’s come and make memories together,” downtown manager Leilani Williams said on the district’s website. “The trees are starting to turn — it’s beautiful. The weather’s gorgeous and there’s a lot of really new, neat stuff.”

While several events — including apple chucking — are centered at the Cedar Street Bridge, activities are planned throughout downtown Sandpoint.

In total, 40 stores and restaurants are participating, from longtime favorites like the Cedar Street Bridge and the Panida Theater to newcomers such as Aspen and Stone At Home, and Paneah’s.

At the Cedar Street Bridge, visitors can try the apple slingshot and launch apples into Sand Creek. Bakers can enter the apple pie contest by submitting two pies before 9 a.m., with judging at 11 a.m.

Also at the Bridge, Sugar Tooth is offering two photo backdrops and cash prizes alongside its popular candies, caramel apples, and chocolate caramel apples. Caricature drawings — and possibly hot mini apple pies — are also on tap.

Several stores, including Eve’s Leaves and Grumpy Chicken Flowers, are holding sales. Eve’s Leaves is also hosting a raffle for an apple-filled basket, along with sweet treats, sips, and snacks. Grumpy Chicken Flowers is offering pony rides, photo ops, and a sunflower seed counting contest with a $30 gift certificate prize.

Down First Avenue at the Panida Theater, the historic venue will offer free popcorn, fresh apples, and a behind-the-scenes tour from noon to 2 p.m.

At Sunshine on Cedar, the business is putting on its own PINE-apple Fest, serving up a tropical vibe with tasty food, refreshing drinks, and festive décor.

To encourage community members to explore both familiar and new businesses, shoppers can pick up a passport at any participating location. Stores are divided into four quadrants, and shoppers must visit at least one shop in each quadrant to get their passport stamped. Completed passports must be submitted at a participating restaurant by 6 p.m. Saturday for a chance to win $1,000 in gift cards and two ZZ Ward concert tickets in Spokane.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/msv6ch6p for details about Apple Fest and the Sandpoint Shopping District.

    Local amateur bakers are invited to compete in the annual Apple Fest pie contest on Saturday. Entries must be submitted at 9 a.m. at the Cedar Street Bridge.