MACON — Georgia’s apple crop came in ahead of schedule due to warmer-than-normal temperatures earlier this year, meaning apple lovers can get an early bite of the fall fruit.

“The apple crop looks good,” said Andy Futch of R&A Orchard in Ellijay. “Everything came in 14 or 15 days earlier than normal, but we’ve got plenty of apples in North Georgia.”

Apples will be the star attraction Oct. 20-21 at the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, which features more than 300 vendors, an antique car show, parade, and of course a great variety of apple dishes.

Whether it’s shopping for apples and a variety of other fresh fruits and vegetables at more than 100 Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets around the state like R&A, or visiting the farm and enjoying hayrides, corn mazes and a variety of other activities, there are treats and entertainment for farm friends of all ages.

“One of the reasons we established our Certified Farm Market program was to give the general public an experience on the farm,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “The farm products vary, but the invaluable family time is always in season.”

GFB’s Certified Farm Markets offer a wide variety of farm-grown products statewide, from apple cider to pumpkins and many others. For a complete listing of the GFB Certified Farm Markets, visit www.gfb.org/commodities/cfm/default.html.