In fact, there may be two blankets thanks to the enthusiasm of Marulan CWA knitters.

An annual feature at the Festival is the Fleece-to-Garment competition where knitters and felt makers work to spin wool and knit or felt a garment in the fastest possible time. But this year, Fleece-to-Garment coordinator Jean Lombard has introduced something different. 

She invited the Marulan CWA to knit a few squares to make a blanket… the result has been more than a 100-squares.

“There has been such an enthusiastic response that I have been overwhelmed,” said Jean at her Tallong home as she added her own contribution.  “There is probably enough for two blankets. We will be joining the squares and auctioning the completed blankets shortly after 3pm on Apple Day.”  

The Fleece-to-Garment competition which celebrates wool at Apple Day will start at 9am. Teams of four from across the region will spin, felt, knit or crochet a small blanket or table runner.  It will be followed by “Who can Spin the Longest Thread in five minutes?” This will begin at midday.  

Spinning wheels will be lined up on the road in front of the community hall and spinners will start spinning at the sound of a gong and spin for five minutes.  First prize will go to the spinner who can walk out farthest from their wheel with the longest spun yarn. There will be a trophy for the winners of both competitions. 

There will be all the usual attractions – rock climbing wall, wood-chopping, archery, vintage cars, apple pie-eating contest, bake-off competitions and cooking demonstrations by Nitin Kumar, the Canberra Hyatt hotel’s Executive Chef.

However, a new feature at this year’s festival will be Medieval Battles in full armour and a snakes and reptiles display. 

And of course there will be loads of apples for sale including such varieties as Granny Smiths, Royal Galas and Pink Ladies.

Come and celebrate Tallong’s rich apple orchard heritage with fun attractions, more than 50 craft and food stalls, special events for children and competitions galore.

Tallong Apple Day Festival is on May 7 from 9am in Memorial Drive, Tallong. Entry is by  a gold coin donation and there is plenty of parking. 

Details: www.tallongappleday.com