The zucca melons and the crowds alike were larger than life at the Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens 10th annual Heritage Fall Fair over Sept. 28 and 29.
This year saw record crowds attend the weekend event, with cars lined up along the street and parked elsewhere in the community to take advantage of the shuttle service on offer.
"Of the 10 years we've done this event, this is the biggest ever and it's been over two days," said Chris Mathieson, the site's general manager. "Thank goodness we had the shuttle, and thanks to the Town of Osoyoos for helping us with the physical shuttle."
The shuttles, with volunteer drivers, were on constant loop heading out to Keremeos proper and back to the mill with a steady stream of passengers.
Live music from local musicians, including Ari Neufeld, Nightgirl and YouRLove, Will Schlakl and the Organic Humans, filled the main stage, and dozens of tents were set up all over the garden with vendors, exhibitions, and games for all to enjoy.
This year's fair saw more entries into the various events than any since 2019, with over 50 kids entered into the apple race and more than a dozen different entries in the apple pie contest.
The winner of the traditional doublecrust apple pie, Phillis Zella of Penticton, wasn't quite willing to reveal all the secrets of her recipe.
"Well, one thing I like to use is multiple different types of apples in it," said Zella. "I'm not going to say any one particular type that's in there, but there are definitely multiple varieties, because they give different flavours and sweetness and texture."
In addition to the shuttle, this year saw the addition of a community tug-of-war event on Sept. 28.
With the fall fair finished, the Grist Mill is set to wind down with no more major events for the year. That doesn't mean the staff are resting, as planning is already underway for 2025, which will mark 40 years as a heritage site.
