More than 200 tonnes of apples will be delivered to Almaty on September 19–20 to mark City Day. Farms will present their harvest of various varieties at a fair that will unfold at the intersection of Panfilov and Kazybek Bi streets, reports infohub.kz.
That volume of fruit is enough to turn the center of the metropolis into a huge apple fair for a couple of days. It will be held as part of the annual Alma Qala festival, which this year takes place for the 16th time, the festival's press service said.
The main venue will be the intersection of Panfilov and Kazybek Bi streets. Farms will bring their harvest here — from familiar classic varieties to rare ones, including the famous Almaty aport. Visitors will be able not only to buy apples but also to compare them: to assess how the color, aroma, density and taste of fruit grown on different farms of the Almaty agglomeration differ.
The Alma Qala program spans two days and is divided into 10 thematic venues. In the national zone, folk groups, ethnic ensembles and kui performers will take the stage. On the theater stage, productions by Almaty theaters will be shown, along with children's performances and readings.
A separate space with animators, games and creative workshops will be organized for children. In the artisans' zone, more than 50 producers and creative entrepreneurs will present their works, and visitors can try their hand at carving, weaving, painting, modeling and jewelry making.
Local producers are responsible for the gastronomic part: at Alma Qala, one can taste and buy jams, preserves, pastila, dried fruits, apple chips, honey, kurt and other locally produced goods.
There will also be something for those more interested in learning something new about the city. In the Digital zone, a digital museum of Almaty will be created and will show how the metropolis is changing along with technology.
In the eco zone, visitors will be told about separate waste collection and recycling, as well as urban environmental initiatives under the Taza Qazaqstan program. Nearby, a volunteer station will operate with the participation of more than ten volunteer organizations.
Special interactive venues are being prepared for Alma Qala guests by business representatives. Guests can also expect an equally vibrant musical component of the festival. Thus, on September 19, Ali Okapov, Madi Rymbayev, Nurgalym Amanbay, Nurmukhammed Zhakyp, Akerke Amalyat, Karim Muturganov, Zhas-Mukhasan and ILIGAI will perform on one of the stages.
On September 20, the program will continue with Sanat Asuat, Dana Maksimova, DARO, Nurayym Gimran, Aruzhan Bekbolat, KHAZAR, Mirzhan Zhidebay and other artists.
Recall that Almaty City Day will be celebrated on September 19 and 20. In total, about 300 festive events are planned in the city. Entry to the main city venues is free.