LEWISTON — The shining smiles of children matched the bright autumn sun Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Hope House Apple Fair. About 100 neighborhood families, most with multiple children in tow, enjoyed the fall-themed games.

Children won tickets to exchange for prizes, which included new coats from Operation Warm. Each child also went home with a bag of winter outerwear and toys donated by Five Below in Portland. Stukas Farms and Thompson’s Orchards donated bushels of apples and each family took home a bag to enjoy.

Volunteers from Hope House’s Family Support Center, along with a team from the Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston, operated the fair and provided apple treats.

Parents seemed delighted with the help toward the approaching winter. As one father said, “Kids’ stuff costs so much. Now winter coats for mine is one less thing to worry about.”

Each Wednesday, parents can find more new and recycled coats at the Free Family Thrift Store and more apples at Farmer’s Market, features of the Family Support Center, 91 College St. 

Hope House Apple Fair in Lewiston gives away children’s winter coats Saturday, Oct. 14. About 100 families attended the fair, which included games and food.