Fort Riley cancels Fall Apple Day festival due to government shutdown

FORT RILEY, Kan. — The annual Fall Apple Day Festival scheduled for this weekend at Fort Riley has been canceled because of the federal government shutdown.

The event, a longstanding tradition for soldiers and families of the 1st Infantry Division, would have marked its 39th year. The festival typically features family activities, historical re-enactors, food, music and apple pie.

"Due to a lapse in federal funding, employees are on furlough," event organizers said in a statement. "Thus, we are unable to monitor or respond to comments or messages until the furlough has ended."

However, the Apple Dash will proceed as planned, now free for participants. The event includes a 5-mile race and 2-mile fun run.

The first 200 participants will receive a free event shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the 5-mile run.

The Apple Dash begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at Riley's Community Center.