HARVEST ON THE RIDGE

Although the Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival is sponsored by the Sparta Chamber of Commerce, it had plenty of Alpine Township flavor added throughout.

The best tasting smoked ribs in the Harvest on the Ridge BBQ contest had to be the ones prepared by the Squirell II team, headed up by Alpine Township resident Mike Warrelman, assisted by his family.  While this may not be the official judges' opinions, these ribs were simply awesome.  "Better than candy!"  exclaimed one young connoisseur.

The Antique Tractor Show had neary 30 participants.  A parade followed, ending at the Bow Tie Tavern on  Alpine Ave and Ten Mile. The event was was part of a fundraiser sponsored by the Bow Tie to raise money for Gilda's Club, a cancer victim support group.

Also as part of the Harvest on the Ridge festivities, Riverridge Packing on Ventura Drive in Alpine Township offered a free tour of its new state of the art packing facility.

Mike Warrelman by his smoker and greatr ribs and smoked turkey

Family and friends of Make Warrelman

The Lazy Blue Tunas provided music at the Harvest on the Ridge Festival in Sparta

 Sparta Village Manager Sharon DeLange (left) in good spirits

Pastor Bryan Schneider-Thomas from Peace Lutheran Church in Sparta (Right) with PastorJulie Schneider-Thomas from Zion Lutheran Church in Alpine Township, with a Sparta resident 

Former Alpine Township Supervisor Sharon Steffens, Chair of the Scare Crow Committee

Best Job:  Volunteers at the Apple Pie Contest, and organizers for the Witch's Walk at 6 Mile and Fruitridge, which opens Octover 1.  Call 784-8301 for more information

 Grillers at the Bow Tie getting ready to prepare Bratts

 One of the oldest tractors in the Parade

Stranded.  This 1927 Tractor did not participate in the parade as the owner feared the metal tires might damage the road.

 Stan with his 1947 Model.  "It's all about Gilda's Club." he said

 This participant is from Middleville. The pink John Deere was appropriate for the fundraiser supporting cancer victims.

 Marlene "Peanut" Wahlfield (left) with Fund Raising Organizers Kim Erickson and Mary Steinbrecher