WESTFORD — Every spring, the streets of Westford come alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the annual Apple Blossom Festival and Parade, a tradition that has become a hallmark of the community.
However, not many know all the work that goes on behind the scenes. It is the Kiwanis Club of Westford that makes it all possible.
While many residents know the organization for orchestrating the parade, the Kiwanis Club’s work extends far beyond the spring season celebration. The volunteer-run group’s main mission is to support children and families throughout the year.
“Kiwanis is a volunteer organization, and our purpose is to support children,” Kiwanis Club of Westford Secretary Lori Heyler said.
Heyler is also in charge of the Westford Student Support Fund. Through this program, Kiwanis works closely with town social workers to identify needs within local schools. Support can range from providing winter coats and boots for children to supplying toiletries or assisting with specific school-based needs.
“We want to make sure students have what they need,” Heyler said.
Kiwanis also contributes to local youth organizations, hosts events at the senior center, awards scholarships to graduating students at Westford Academy and local vocational schools, and participates in hands-on service projects. This year, members are building beds for children in need as part of a regional initiative.
“If we’re not doing Apple Blossom, then we’re doing some sort of a service project,” Kiwanis Club of Westford Treasurer Stefany Eck said.
Despite all of its work, the organization itself is small. The club has 12 official members, with seven active members. Just a few years ago, membership had dwindled to only three active members, which would’ve ended Apple Blossom that year.
“We came very close to canceling,” Heyler said.
A community meeting was held to gauge interest and recruit volunteers. The response was strong, and since then, membership has stabilized and expanded. Tasks are now divided among members to distribute the workload more evenly.
Planning for Apple Blossom begins almost immediately after the previous festival ends. Dates must be secured with the town and Abbott School, which hosts the carnival. By late winter, organizers begin reaching out to parade participants, local sponsors and volunteers. The festival relies heavily on community involvement. Parking operations alone require dozens of volunteers.
Over the course of the weeklong event, more than 100 volunteers are involved in some capacity. On parade day, volunteers line up participants, direct traffic, place signage and assist with crowd coordination. The police and fire departments, along with other public safety partners, also play a key role.
Last year, organizers introduced a “quiet zone” along part of the parade route to accommodate attendees with sensory sensitivities. In that area, sirens and loud noises were minimized when possible, they will have this again this year.
Attendance varies depending on the weather, but organizers estimate the festival draws thousands of people each year. Revenue from the festival supports scholarships, student assistance and other service projects throughout the year. High upfront costs, including fireworks and carnival operations, are offset in part by local sponsors.
For many residents, the effort is worth it. Apple Blossom has become a spring season milestone that brings families and neighbors together.
“Everybody’s there, and it just brings the whole community together and gets everybody excited and kind of introduces, you know, spring,” Heyler said.
While Apple Blossom may be the club’s most visible work, members hope residents recognize the quieter work happening year-round.
