MANCHESTER -- The rain only increased in intensity throughout the morning on Sunday. But the parking lot of Lakeside Orchards on Route 17 filled just minutes after an employee placed the "open" flag in front.

This year's Maine Apple Sunday is a wet one, to be sure. But the precipitation did not keep a handful of self-described "diehard" apple pickers from braving the rain to walk among the apple trees seeking out the perfect red, juicy fruit.