COLAC district’s apple season officially opens on Sunday with a Great Apple Pie Bake Off.

Glen Loch Apple Farm and Gellibrand River Store will host the event to promote the area’s fruit season and encourage people to enjoy fresh, district-grown apples.

Founders of the apple fest, Gellibrand store co-owner Maria Koczak and apple grower Juli Farquhar, are inviting people to test their skills, bake an apple pie and join the fun of the season by entering the bake off.

The all-day celebration of the season will also include tastings and sales of apple-inspired food and products including Maria’s apple pancakes, homemade cakes and Barongarook-brewed cider made from Gellibrand-grown apples.

Apple pie chefs must take their entries to the Gellibrand store by 10.30am for judging at 11am on Sunday.