By Joanne Kleinle
Fall is my favorite season. It entices all the senses: the crunch of the leaves under your feet…the crisp autumn air…the spectacular foliage…the cozy sweaters…the apple cider. The best way to immerse yourself in the wonders of the season is to jump in and celebrate the harvest. We have many farms in the area that allow you to get out and pick your own pumpkins and apples. If you do not want to put in the work, the farms have well-stocked farm stands, fun activities, and tasty treats to enjoy. Even better, check out a festival celebrating the harvest-Applefest! One of the largest and most popular in the region happens every year just over the New York border in Warwick, New York.
This year’s Applefest will take place on Sunday, October 6th from 9am-5pm. What began back in 1989 as a local fall festival has grown to be an attraction that draws over 30,000 visitors from all around the area. The Hudson Valley is well known for its extraordinary variety of apples. This festival showcases fall’s best fruit. Admission is free to Applefest and there is something there for the whole family. Try an Apple Pie Baking Contest (with slices for sale- so judge for yourself!), visit over 200 craft vendors, dozens of food vendors, 50 local non-profit exhibitors, a farmer’s market, a children’s carnival and live music and entertainment on several stages throughout the day.
Applefest takes place in the streets and parks of downtown Warwick so you can easily walk to village shops, restaurants, and businesses. The event is hosted by Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and all proceeds benefit the Chamber and about 50 local non-profit organizations.
The young and the young at heart love the Carnival in Stanley-Deming Park. Everyone will find something at the Carnival-but leave your pets at home as they are not permitted. The Carnival runs all day Sunday from 9-5 as well as for two special pre-Applefest evenings on Friday and Saturday from 4-10 pm. The Carnival offers a variety of kiddie and larger rides. Wristbands for unlimited rides are available for about $15 (separate wristbands are required for each day.) During Applefest, there is face painting and a whole host of vendors and family activities in the Carnival area.
Feeling competitive? Why don’t you submit an entry in the Apple Pie Baking Contest? No fee or pre-registration is required, and entries will be judged in two age divisions:
Junior (Age 7-16) and Adult (Age 17 and older). On the day of Applefest, apple pies should be checked in between 8-11:30 am at the Apple Pie Baking Contest Booth #76-77 by the South Street Lot. Go to the official website at www.warwickapplefest.com for the entry form and more details.
If you are looking to include some apple or pumpkin picking in your day, there are several orchards nearby Applefest. More information is available by checking out their website at warwickvalleyappletrail.com. If you are looking to get to a farm closer to home, check out this link for the best farms in New Jersey: https://njmom.com/guide/pumpkin-picking-nj.
Whatever you do, be sure to get out there and tempt your senses with the fruits of the season!