NILES, Mich. -- Organizers of the Four Flags Area Apple Festival began preparing the annual event on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday for the opening day, Thursday at 3 p.m.

The four-day festival based in Niles will be filled with carnival rides, food vendors, arts and crafts on Saturday and Sunday with over 100 booths, parades, contests, and free nightly entertainment.

The 1.6-mile Grande Parade on Saturday will begin in downtown Niles at 1:30 p.m. and end at Niles High School.

Each guest will receive a free apple. Pastries, cookies, apples, pies, cider, and more will be available for purchase.

You can purchase ride wristbands ahead of time online or at the festival in person.

Festival hours:

• Thursday - 3 to 10 p.m.
• Friday - 3 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Sunday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Four Flags Area Apple Festival will be on the corner of Lake and 17th Street.

You can find more festival information online.