2026 Apple Fair 

Whose head is still spinning or cheeks sore from grinning? Nod your head if at some stage your child uttered, “Best day ever!” or words to that effect. One parent text to say that it potentially topped Christmas! Mission accomplished. 

The 2026 Apple Fair is over…and what a day! The biggest thanks goes out to the entire OGPS community who made the magic happen: families volunteering shifts, taking tickets, baking cakes, scooping ice cream, running games and turning chocolate wheels.

Of course, people often ask about the total raised. And while we surpassed last year’s figure, success for us is measured in so many other ways.

• It’s the little faces of joy spinning around on the Cha Cha. Check out gallery pics from the day here; (Thanks to Mon Berry and Sara Lappe for capturing the fun.) 
• The music drifting through the streets and drawing people in to see what all the excitement is about. We recognised plenty of non-OGPS families and visitors browsing the market and dancing in the front row; 
• It’s food vendors telling us it was one of their most successful days – all the while saving masses of landfill by using our reusable plates;
• Ride operators saying the OGPS kids have the best manners of all the school fairs they work at; 
• Grandparents emailing the school to thank us for creating such a welcoming community; 
• Over 250 volunteers, rolling up their sleeves to muck in. With no prior experience making fairy floss or braiding hair – the support, encouragement and willingness to pitch in made the day feel like it belonged to all of us;
• Our current and ex-students performing live music, showcasing the preparation, passion and talent they put into entertaining the crowd.
• It’s the little notes handed to volunteers thanking them for their work;
• The kids still proudly rocking their Pips Pony Club hair braids at school on Monday;
• Ex-OGPS students, now teenagers, catching up with old friends and teachers – and even offering to help pack up at the end;
• And the inspiration Lexi Loops sparked in a new generation of budding DJs. “It was so exciting watching all of my friends dancing along to my songs. I want to thank DJ Rob and the Apple Fair parents for the best experience of my life.”

• And of course, the many local businesses who put their hands up to sponsor the event, donate goods and offer their time. Such as Rotary happily cooking the BBQ and Marley Huxley, onsite from 6am-6pm! 

   

What stood out for us – and the sentiment echoed on the day – was the community vibe and how proud everyone felt to be part of OGPS. One new Prep parent simply said, “This is epic. I love being a school mum.” The Apple Fair is such an important tradition for our kids as they grow up, and the community that is built around the fair extends outside of the school gates through generations of families and locals.

From the bottom of our Apple Fairy hearts, thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy and generosity to make the day what it was. The funds raised will support important initiatives at OGPS, including this year’s School Wellbeing Program in partnership with The Resilience Project.

And finally, if watching the magic unfold made you think “I’d love to be part of that” — we’re always looking for new Apple Fairies to join the committee. Fresh ideas and helping hands are always welcome with open arms. Email applefair.ogps@gmail.com

And now for our final act. Every year we ask fair-goers about everything from food, to pricing to rides. It’s a tall order to satisfy the ages, interests and budgets of thousands of people, but we’ll keep asking and tweaking based on your feedback. 

• If you attended the fair, share your thoughts here – Attendee feedback 
• If you volunteered on an activity or stall, we would love your input here – Volunteer feedback 

Best wishes and thanks from the 2026 Apple Fair Committee!