BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Buckstop Junction's Applefest has been a stable of Bismarck for quite some time — but this year, it has taken on a new name. Now known as the Apple Jam, the event compresses everything that made the Applefest unique into one fun-filled day, while keeping the same spirit of the original and its goal of helping the Bismarck Cancer Center alive. Buckstop Junction serves as Bismarck's frontier town, and features a host of historic buildings and exhibits. It's also one of the capital city's premiere event venues, with multiple community events (including weddings, vendor fairs, and community fundraisers) taking place on site. The Applefest itself is no stranger to the venue, having run its multi-day event for many years but this does beg the question: if the festival is already established, why change its name and time period now? "We've been doing Applefest for the last 18 years," recalls the BCC's Marketing Director, Sara Kelsch. "This year, we decided it was time to shake things up a bit, and pack all the fun activities into one day." During the Jam, including apple cider, a bake sale, food trucks, live blacksmithing demonstrations, drills from the Bismarck and Bismarck Rural Fire Departments, and a Silent Auction available both at the event and online. Most notably, the junction's main stage is home to a constant array of live musicians, including headliner Church of Cash, Backstage Pass, Double Barrel, and Prairie Road. Weekend BRB: Meals and Wheels at Bismarck’s Food Truck Festival "We always get great music at the event," Kelsch continues, "and we strive hard for that — so we wanted to make it the focus. We have plenty of fun, family activities, and while it's hard to judge right now, we're hoping to get a few thousand guests this year." This main stage is not the only source of entertainment available at the Apple Jam, as the nearby church serves as a secondary venue hosting more music inside and outside the building. The hotel, meanwhile, features events that appeal to younger guests, including live music from Kittyko and a children's story time with Miss Sparkles. The ability to provide fun for all ages, Kelsch claims, is part of what makes Buckstop Junctions' festivities so approachable, regardless of the size or members of one's family. While the Apple Jam features a new face and host of events, the festival also focuses on the same goal as its predecessor: supporting the day-to-day efforts of the Bismarck Cancer Center. According to BCC representatives, the former Applefest played a significant role in helping families in need receive valuable aid. Likewise, Kelsch says that its new form will aim to provide an even greater level of funding to support those in need. "97 cents of every dollar from our fundraising activities goes towards right back to the patients we treat," she explains. "The money raised goes to our support services: we have lodging assistance, and 23 individual patient apartments for those getting treatment from out of town. We have gas cards, massage therapy, and physical therapy, in addition to yoga classes and dietary care. The BCC wants to take care of the whole patient — not just what's being treated at the center." The fusion of old and new is a persisting theme at Buckstop Junction's many events, which often feature modern attractions placed along a backdrop of This, as one can imagine, is an idea that has remained at the Apple Jam's heart between its different incarnations —and presumably, continue to endure any other changes that may come in the future. "The greatest thing about Apple Jam is just seeing the support," Kelsch concludes. "Business partners, former patients, former staff, and the entire community come out to help raise money for a good cause. People always like the event — it's a fall tradition, and people know they have to drop by." The Apple Jam lasts until 5:00 p.m. For more information on the event, visit its website here. More information about the Bismarck Cancer Center is also available using this link. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW