IF you heard crunching sounds reverberating around town on Friday do not be alarmed, it was the sound of Orange apples being devoured by primary school students.
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Thirty-three schools from around the city took part in the Big Crunch to kick off this weekend’s Orange Apple Festival.
Over the course of the next seven days, 10,000 Orange apples will be crunched in celebration of one of Orange’s most delicious exports.
Much to the delight of year 1 students at Orange Public School, Pink Lady Apple came to visit, singing and dancing with students.
The overriding message to students from Orange Apple Festival Committee member Cath Thompson was the importance of the region’s apples to the city and their health benefits for young children.
“The kids have been learning about apples throughout the week and the district’s history of apple growers,” she said.
“They have learnt about the varieties, how to cook with them and have been painting artwork to display at the Orange Farmers Market next weekend.
“The kids have really embraced it. Getting Orange apples and the community involved is at the core of the whole festival.”
Mrs Thompson said it was important children in the area were respectful of their local produce and it was a privilege to live on the doorstep of the region’s orchards.
Healthy eating was also an important message to children on Friday morning.
The Orange Apple Festival continues throughout the weekend with a range of activities today and tomorrow.
bryson.ferreira@fairfaxmedia.com.au