Mill Town Messenger | July 2024

Overview

The newsletter chronicles Newport community traditions, focusing on the 50-year history of the Apple Pie Crafts Fair and its apple pie contest, tracing origins, notable volunteers, evolving food vendors, and contest winners. It situates the fair within local culture, festivals, and recognition from regional media.

Additional items report museum updates—installation of Internet access to support research and digital archiving—and community programming including library festival details, Magical History Tours, and upcoming Society events and meetings.

You can read the online version of the newsletter here.

This quarterly newsletter is generally published in January, April, July and October.

Main Points

• Apple Pie Crafts Fair Origins: The Apple Pie Crafts Fair (APCF) began in 1974 in Newport, NH, as a non-fundraising event to connect local artists and craftspeople with buyers, inspired by Marie Bugbee’s vision of community and nostalgia.
• Date and Evolution: Initially held in early August or late July, the fair settled on the fourth Saturday in August from 1993 onward, often coinciding with the Richards Free Library Book Festival.
• Fundraising and Growth: The APCF became a fundraiser for the Library Arts Center in 1976, with proceeds from apple pie sales and other activities supporting local arts and community programs.
• Apple Pie Contest: The Apple Pie Contest was introduced in 1994, with entries judged by local figures and professionals; winners gain “bragging rights,” and only the first 12 pies are now judged each year.
• Food and Vendors: Food offerings have expanded from simple apple pies and hot dogs to include ethnic foods, food trucks, and “apple-themed” treats like apple crisp and cider floats, with many local organizations participating.
• Community Involvement: The fair relies on volunteers, local bakers, and organizations, with notable contributions such as the Volunteer Firefighters’ Association’s barbecue chicken (discontinued in 2023) and significant pie donations from residents.
• Recognition: The APCF has been recognized regionally as a top art festival and recommended as a “must see” New England event by media outlets like the Boston Globe and NH Union Leader.
• Richards Free Library Festival: Held on the same weekend, this festival features a large book sale, children’s activities, a cookie walk, and a festival café, serving as the library’s main annual fundraiser since 1956.

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