Thousands of fresh Queensland grown apples will be given away at the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival this weekend. The cooler summer has helped developed the best Stanthorpe apples ever, and samples will be given out free to the expected 60 000 festival attendees.

Held every two years, the festival is the biggest event on the Granite Belt region’s calendar, with interstate and international visitors attending the event. Growcom Stanthorpe Apple Special Interest Group Chairman Daniel Nicoletti urged everyone to come along during the weekend and pick up a fresh apple from Queensland’s chief growing area.

“The Granite Belt region grows more than 99 per cent of Queensland apples and this weekend is a great time to have a taste of a fresh Stanthorpe apple,” said Mr Nicoletti. “Apple varieties being picked this time of year include the Royal Gala and Red Delicious – both of which will be given to festival attendees.

“This season’s apples have a superior flavour and are of the highest quality. “The Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival is an opportunity for those living outside the area to experience the high quality produce grown in the region.”

But don’t think fresh produce is all you will get to try at the festival: relax with a glass of wine whilst listening to multicultural music, have fun in sideshow alley, marvel at the grand parade, buy local art and produce at one of the many colourful stalls or get involved in the hotly contested Queensland grape crushing competition. Growcom has sponsored the fruit and vegetable exhibition.

President of the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival committee Wendy Shan said the festival was still proving a success after more than 40 years of existence.

“It is such an excellent community celebration and we are so thankful for the amount of community contribution into the festival,” said Ms Shan. “It is very exciting to see and hear the enjoyment of all our guests who have travelled here to enjoy what our community has to offer.”