Apple Dumpling Café to host the 5th annual SanTan Apple Festival, Apple Barn Bazaar and A-Peeling Apple Cooking Contest to take place Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. At Higley High School. Higley Educational Foundation, The Wellness Community Arizona - Southeast Valley Project and Pan de Vida Foundation of Queen Creek will benefit from this years Charity Event.

New to the event this year is the "Appley Ever After" all-expense-paid Wedding Ceremony Contest and Wedding Showcasean Apple Flapjack Pancake Breakfast, an Red Apple Art Show, an Apple A Day Health Fair, an Apple Jam (live entertainment) a Johnny Appleseed Kids Activity Corner, an Apple Harvest Luncheon, a Scarecrow Contest, an Apple Blossom Tea, an Apple of Your Eye Antique and Classic Car Cruise-In, and a Cider Barrel Silent Auction. Vendors, artists, family cooks, healthcare providers, car enthusiasts, celebrity judges and family style entertainers are encouraged to apply.

Gilbert, AZ September 6, 2009: The Apple Dumpling Café will host the firth annual SanTan Apple Festival, Apple Barn Bazaar and A-Peeling Apple Cooking Contest, Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. At Higley High School - 4068 East Pecos Road. Gilbert, AZ, 85295. Proceeds from the SanTan Apple Festival will benefit the Higley Education Foundation, 3317 S. Higley Road, Suite 114, PMB 248, Gilbert, Arizona 85297, 480-235-585, www.husd.org, Mark Swisher, President; The Wellness Community Arizona-Southeast Valley Project, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1531, www.thewellnesscommunityaz.org, Paula Hardison, Executive Director, 602-712-1006, x208, Pam Jackson, Southeast Valley Emissary, 480-518-7284, and the Pan de Vida Foundation, Post Office Box 745, Queen Creek, AZ 85242, www.PanDeVidaAz.org, Mary Gloria, President, 480-987-0819.

"Appley Ever After" is the newest addition to the 2009-10 SanTan Apple Festival. One lucky couple will win a once in a lifetime opportunity for an all-expense-paid wedding ceremony and reception. The wedding ceremony will take place Saturday, November 6, 2010 during 2010 SanTan Apple Festival.

"Appley Ever After" is modeled after the success of the Today Show's wedding on NBC. Couples must submit application essays on why they should be chosen. The essay must also include any connection the couple has to the Southeast Valley. The lucky couple will have to surrender some of the decision-making about their big day to the "Appley Ever After" committee and they will blog twice a month about their wedding plans as they unfold. An "Appley Ever After" Wedding Showcase will also be part of the 2009 SanTan Apple Festival. "Appley Ever After" Finalize Couples will be announced during the Apple Blossom Tea.

The A-Peeling Apple Cooking Contest has always been a fun part of the SanTan Apple Festival. People of all ages may enter their favorite apple creations. Although it is traditionally called an "apple baking contest", entries for all kinds of apple dishes from - appetizers to desserts - are welcome. All entries will be received and reviewed by a panel of Celebrity judges consisting of local chefs, food reviewers and local personalities at 10:30 a.m. On November 7th. Entries must be made from scratch and include apples. There is a $10.00 entrance fee per dish. Winners will be announced at 12.30 p.m. During the Apple Harvest Luncheon and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be awarded at that time.

Application deadline for the Apple Barn Bazaar, Red Apple Art Show, Apple A Day Health Fair, "Appley Ever After" Wedding Ceremony Contest, "Appley Ever After" Wedding Showcase and Johnny Appleseed Kids Activity Corner vendors is Friday, October 16, 2009. All applications can be obtained from the Apple Dumpling Café location - 23706 S Power Road #103, Queen Creek, AZ 85242, www.appledumplingcafe.com, Sue & Floyd Bailey, Owners, 480-279-3879. There is a $25.00 fee for home-based vendor and a $100.00 fee for commercial vendors. There is a $5.00 pre-registration fee or a $10.00 day of show fee for the Classic Car Cruise-In.

Applications for the Apple Jam (live entertainment), A-Peeling Apple Cooking Contest, Appley Ever After all-expense-paid Wedding Ceremony Contest, Scarecrow Contest and Apple of Your Eye Antique and Classic Car Cruise-In may also be obtained at the Apple Dumpling Café. Additionally, the SanTan Apple Festival is seeking 100% tax deductible donations for the Cider Barrel Silent Auction. All proceeds webenefit the following 501©3 non-profit organizations:

The Higley Education Foundation - In partnership with the Higley Unified School District, the Higley Education Foundation supports development and implementation of programs, projects, and learning opportunities, which benefit Higley students and enhance the educational experience offered at our schools. Additional scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding high school seniors in the Higley Unified School District who plan to continue their education at a college or university. The scholarship awards vary in amounts from $1,000. - $8,000.

The Wellness Community Arizona - At The Wellness Community we believe that no one should have to face cancer alone. Our mission is to help people affected by cancer enhance their health and well being through participation in professional programs that offer emotional support, education and hope. At The Wellness Community all programs are offered free of charge to cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Pan de Vida Foundation - is a, grass roots, non-profit Organization operating in the Maricopa and Pinal Counties. Pan de Vida provides program for the youth, seniors, families, and low-income folks of this area. The Pan de Vida Clinic sees low income clients every Sat starting at 9:00 a.m., thanks to the five Pro Bono Doctors, who graciously give of their time. The Pan de Vida Food Bank provides nourishing food to family and individuals in need. In past years the Alzheimer Association, Open Arms Care Center - Gilbert, The Assistance League® of East Valley, and the League of Women Voters Southeast Valley have benefited from this charity event.

The event is also seeking Apple Orchard sponsors.

5th Annual SanTan Apple Festival Events include:

8:00 to 10:00 a.m. - Apple Flapjack Pancake Breakfast & Cider Barrel Silent Auction
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Appley Ever After all-expense-paid Wedding Ceremony Contest Voting
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Apple Barn Bazaar, Red Apple Art Show, Apple A Day Health Fair, Apple Jam (live entertainment) Johnny Appleseed Kids Activity Corner, Apple of Your Eye Antique and Classic Car Cruise-In and Appley Ever After Wedding Showcase.
10:30 a.m. - A-Peeling Apple Cooking Contest Judging
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Apple Harvest Luncheon & A-Peeling Apple Cooking Contest Winner Announced
3:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Apple Blossom Tea & Appley Ever After Finalist Couples Announced
4:30 p.m. - Scarecrow Contest Winners Announced