The arts are back in Apple Valley.

The Apple Valley Foundation will have its first Apple Valley Arts Festival 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road.

"A Day to Remember" will fill the gap left by the absence of the long-running Ring-Around-The-Arts Festival. In 2007, the 15th annual event drew approximately 60 art vendors, but volunteers reportedly ran out of steam this year.

"We're just excited again to give an opportunity for a free event," said Foundation President Brian Bessler. "We hope to have people come out, do a little shopping for Christmas and have fun enjoying the day listening to music and dining at the Community Center."

The Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves as a catalyst to get residents active in the community. In nearly a decade it has donated more than $200,000 to support arts at Apple Valley schools and in the community, as well as provide creative outlets for local artists of all types.

The Foundation had its first "A Night to Remember" last November as a way to remember a founding member of the group who had died. With Ring-Around-The-Arts missing this year, they decided to bring it back with a focus on the arts.

"We thought we could blend what we did for that day with more fine arts, arts and crafts, textiles and also include some performance art, great food and lots of fun," said Foundation Vice President Mary Hamann-Roland.

About 40 area artists - some returning from Ring-Around-The-Arts and some new - will present their wares for sale. Food vendors including Enjoy! Restaurant, La Luz Café, and Cub Foods will also be on hand. Apple Valley Seniors will sell refreshments, including cookies and cider.

"We really have a full house," said Hamann-Roland.

There will be several performances throughout the day including the Apple Valley High School AVaire Dance Team noon-1 p.m., rock band Cedar Avenue 3-4 p.m., the Velvet Tones 4-4:30 p.m. and headliner Michael Monroe 4:30-7 p.m.

"It's another way to showcase local talent that we have in this area. That's something that we like to do," said Bessler.

In addition, Apple Valley Seniors will run bingo, with prizes including a grocery cart of goods donated by Cub Foods. For children, there will also be magic and juggling performances from the Wonderful World of Woody and pinewood derby car races and crafts for kids presented by the Boy Scouts. Older youths can express their creativity playing video games like Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero.

"The money that we raise goes directly back into the schools and into our community for the arts because we believe it's very important, especially in these times," said Hamann-Roland. "When it's so difficult, when the economy is so challenging, we need the arts more than ever."

The event is being sponsored by the city of Apple Valley and Apple Valley High School.

(You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com.)

What's Next

What:Apple Valley Arts Festival - "A Day to Remember"

When:11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8

Where:Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road

Information: www.applevalleyfoundation.org

"The money that we raise goes directly back into the schools and into our community for the arts because we believe it's very important, especially in these times," said Hamann-Roland. "When it's so difficult, when the economy is so challenging, we need the arts more than ever."

The event is being sponsored by the city of Apple Valley and Apple Valley High School.

(You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com.)

What's Next

What:Apple Valley Arts Festival - "A Day to Remember"

When:11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8

Where:Apple Valley Community Center, 14603 Hayes Road

Information: www.applevalleyfoundation.org