An apple town flowers

Sunset, April, 1985

Springtime in Sebastopol means apple blossoms--miles and miles of them. April 13 and 14, the town goes all out to celebrate this pink-white cloud of bloom with an Apple Blossom Festival.

Saturday begins with a pancake breakfast, served from 6:30 on at Analy High School ($3). At 10, a parade sets off down Main Street; arrive early since streets get crowded. From noon to 4, there's a chicken barbecue ($4.50 adults, $3 children) across from the Veterans' Building, which will house an art show, crafts, and exhibits.

The day ends with a square-dance hoe-down at 8 at the Sebastopol Saucy Squares Clubhouse, 460 Eddie Lane.

Sunday's activities include another breakfast and a 10-km Apple Juice Run on country lanes (it starts at 9; register between 7:30 and 8:30 at Analy High).

Touring the orchards in bloom is a must. Write to the Chamber of Commerce, 265 S. Main St., Sebastopol 95472, for a map, or use the more complete one in last August's Sunset (page 34). Sebastopol is 60 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit west from U.S. 101 on State Highway 116 in Cotati.