Apple Days, one of the Wenatchee Valley's most popular fall festivals, returns this weekend, Oct. 6-7, to the Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village.

"Apple Days is a celebration of the apple harvest as well as of our history here in the Wenatchee Valley," said Joan Baldwin, a member of the museum's board of directors. "This year's event brings back some favorites -- cowboy shootouts in the Pioneer Village, panning for gold, pioneer demonstrations and archery. We also have more entertainers this weekend than in years past."

The two-day event kicks off each morning with a free breakfast for visitors at 8 a.m. The days are packed with demonstrations, live entertainment, displays and food vendors.

Always popular is the Apple Days apple pie contest and bake sale. The Oregon Trail Travelers return with hands-on exhibits. Gold panning, flint knapping and arrowhead making are ongoing throughout the day. The Wenatchi River Traditional Archers also return to give kids a chance at shooting a bow and arrow.

This year, the live entertainment ranges from storytelling and Native American dancing to performances by folk singers, a local mariachi band and a children's choir.

Among the performers this weekend is Hank Cramer, one of the best-loved cowboy singers in the Northwest. Cramer, an avid historian and story teller, sings stories of cowboys, miners, soldiers and drifters. He received the Humanities Washington Award in 2011 and has released several CDs.

Also joining Apple Days is local storyteller Joan Tucker, who will perform in character the story of "Ieetum Remembers the Story of a Young Girl." Musician Connie Celustka will perform on her dulcimer, an early instrument also known as a lumberjack's piano or a whamdiddle. And musicians Michael Carlos and Colorado Creed also will perform.

Apple Days weekend also provides visitors the chance to go through the 22 historic buildings that make up the Pioneer Village. The buildings, all relocated from throughout the Wenatchee Valley and preserved in Cashmere, are opened up on Apple Days and museum volunteers dressed in period costumes are available to answer questions.

 "We look forward to Apple Days every year," Baldwin said. "This is a true family event, with something for everyone to enjoy."

The event is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission to Apple Days is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6 to 18 years old. Apple Days is the Cashmere Museum's largest fundraiser. For more information, contact the museum at 782-3230.

Apple Days Schedule

Saturday, Oct. 6

 8 a.m. – Free breakfast

 9 a.m.  - Dulcimer music by Connie Celustka

 10 a.m. - Apple pie contest

 10 a.m. – Colorado Creed – Hemstrom Family                                        

 11 a.m. – Storyteller Joan Tucker presents: “Ieetum Remembers”

 11:30 a.m. – BBQ lunch opens

 11:30 a.m. – Salmon Demonstration

 Noon – Latino musician Michael Carlos

 1 p.m. – Wenatchee High School Mariachi Band & Dancers

 2 p.m. – Folk singer and storyteller Hank Cramer  

 3 p.m.  – Native American Dancers     

Sunday, Oct. 7

8 a.m.  – Free breakfast

9 a.m.  – Old Time Church Service

10 a.m. - Seventh Day Adventist Children's Choir

10:30 a.m. - Native American Dancers

11:30 a.m. – BBQ lunch opens

11:30 a.m. – Folk singer and storyteller Hank Cramer

Noon - Salmon Demonstration

12:30 p.m. - Colorado Creed - Hemstrom Family

2:30 p.m. - Cashmere High School Jazz Band

3:30 p.m. – Friends of Old Mission quilt raffle