Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association’s annual Orchard Fest took over Independence Plaza Park’s north side, offering a variety of activities, a pumpkin patch, and community resources on Saturday, Oct. 4.

This three hour event provided neighbors from across Northeast the chance to enjoy a pleasant afternoon outdoors, as families enjoyed hot dogs and snow cones, selected a souvenir T-shirt and sipped some fresh-pressed cider.

Garden and orchard steward Whitney Barnardo assisted young neighbors as they cored and sliced bushels of apples and loaded them into the cider press for each quart of cider produced.

Pendleton Heights resident and artist Margarita Friedman offered fall-themed art projects for youngsters using paints and markers.

In addition to volunteers, this event was made possible by numerous sponsors and donations including pumpkins and apples supplied by Urban Produce Push — a nonprofit that collects and distributes fresh produce to communities in need.

Orchard Fest is just one of many events planned to celebrate fall in Northeast- be sure to check The Northeast News Calendar of Events for more family-friendly events.