Hobbies And Interests
Bobbing for Apples
Bobbing for apples is a classic American fair and festival game that dates back hundreds of years. The game is traditionally played by placing lots of apples in a large tub or basin. Children then "bob" their heads in the water and attempt to bite into an apple and grab it out of the water using only their mouths. Because of hygiene and health concerns, sometimes, only one apple is used, or children are given smaller, individual basins or buckets to bob for apples in. Another early 21st century alternative is to hang apples from tree branches with string and have children try to pull the apples down with their mouths.
Apple Shooting
The legend of William Tell being forced to shoot an apple off his son's head is immortalized in stories and movie scenes that depict a fine archer splitting an apple atop a frightened person's head with an arrow. Transform this dangerous act into a safe, enjoyable game perfect for an apple festival with plastic bows and suction-cup arrows. Draw a bullseye on an apple poster, arrange apples in a pyramid formation, or hang apples from string and have players attempt to shoot and stick the suction-cup arrow to an apple for a prize. Play the game with darts as an alternative, but make sure the throwing and target areas are a safe distance from guests and workers.
Pie Eating Contest
Like bobbing for apples, apple pie eating contests are a classic county fair and festival staple. Let everyone in on the fun and create divisions based on age group. Establish a time limit for contestants, and establish rules. Basic rules include keeping hands placed behind the back and eating only with the mouth, swallowing all food and keeping food down for a minimum of 30 seconds after the time is up. Give a ribbon, trophy or prize to the person who eats the most pies within the time limit in each division.
Apple Hunt
An apple hunt makes an entertaining game for festivals that are held in large, open areas such as parks and orchards. The game works much like an Easter egg or scavenger hunt. Before the festival begins, establish an area for the hunt, away from vendor booths and events, and hide apples in various locations within the area. Place apples under trees and bushes, in wagons and baskets, amongst rocks, behind fence posts, along walls, down paths or in piles of leaves or hay. Hide a few golden apples among a few dozen red varieties for a "rare" hunt item for a special prize or award. Section the area off with tables or caution tape until the hunt begins to prevent guests from wandering in and taking or relocating the apples.