Jackie Jackson lights the candles on Johnny Appleseed’s cake during a surprise party hosted by the Little Miss Apple Blossom and Mr. Apple Bud contestants at the Lisbon VFW on Thursday for Johnny’s 250th birthday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

Dallas Haught, the reigning Mr. Apple Bud, grabs a piece of cake at a surprise party thrown by the candidates to celebrate Johnny Appleseed’s 250th birthday at the VFW on Thursday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

Johnny Appleseed (Jerry Tyson) enjoys his surprise 250th birthday party hosted by contestants for Little Miss Apple Blossom and Mr. Apple Bud on Thursday at the Lisbon VFW. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

Johnny Appleseed (Jerry Tyson) and Little Miss Apple Blossom Piper Burkholder check out the balloon apple tree at Johnny’s Carbon after Johnny celebrated his 250th birthday on Thursday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

Johnny Appleseed (Jerry Tyson) looks at the balloon apple tree that decorated his cabin on Thursday. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

Contestants vying for the titles of Little Miss Apple Blossom and Mr. Apple Bud got an up-close look at Johnny’s cabin on Thursday following a party celebrating Johnny’s 250th birthday. The winners will be crowned Saturday at the conclusion of the Apple Festival parade. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)