DOVER — The 28th annual Apple Harvest Day, scheduled for Saturday, is expanding to include more stages and venues, a monster truck and plenty of crisp fruits of the fall.

Organizers are expecting at least 25,000 residents and visitors to come to the event, which fills five to six blocks in the downtown, according to Michael Mengers, community events manager.

“It’s going to be a great weekend,” Mengers said, adding the weather is expected to cooperate with only a few showers predicted for Saturday.

Mengers said the festivities are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. with the fourth annual 5K road race on River Street and a pancake breakfast served by the Kiwanis Club at the intersection of Orchard Street and Central Avenue.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., local businesses and about 300 vendors from around New England will be open throughout the downtown, which will be blocked off to traffic during the festival.

While most of the activities are free, the Kids Zone in Lower Henry Law Park will feature 16 inflatable rides, a petting zoo and a roaming train for $8 admission, according to Mengers.

Opening ceremonies will kick off in Henry Law Park at 9 a.m. and the 27th annual WOKQ Apple Pie Contest is set for 11 a.m.

Mengers said 30 to 40 area bakers are expected to compete in the contest at the Xfinity Stage, but people can enter their pie — whether it’s double-crusted or has a crumbly topping.

For the first time, there will be an arts pavilion on the lawn of the McConnell Center at 61 Locust St. Super modified racers and a monster truck will be featured along Todd’s Touch Auto Alley on First Street, and the Bernson Legal Stage will feature more performers on Orchard Street, according to Mengers.

A variety of artists will perform on six stages — each sponsored by a different organization — throughout the day.

For more information about performances, vendors or the 5K race, visit www.dovernh.org.

jquinn@newstote.com