The 53rd LaFayette Apple Festival is this weekend. Organizers say they’re prepared for a big turnout this weekend. If you lined-up all of the tents, they’d stretch just under a half-mile. Aside from what’s under the tents, Director Dave Knapp said the main attraction is this year’s menu.
“You got the apple pies, apple fritters…We have apple milkshakes…Obviously, caramel apples, candy apples," Knapp said. "We have apple slushies made from apple cider... everything you can think of that that can be done with an apple and then some!”
But apples aren’t the only thing on the menu. The festival has over 400 craft vendors who offer everything from woodworking to homemade jewelry. Knapp says crafters come from all over the country to support the event.
“We have crafters come in from Maryland, Michigan.. I think we have a few from Florida. We have a chainsaw wood carver that comes up from from West Virginia that does wonderful work,” said Knapp.
Apples and crafts have been staples of the apple festival for the past 50 years. But this year, with a brand new development, entertainment is taking center stage.
“We built a new stage this year, right up above our food court here," Knapp said. "So that while folks are enjoying some of the food, they can be also enjoying some entertainment as well..”
The apple themed fall festival began in 1973 and also has amusement rides. Knapp believes there’s something for everyone at this year's edition. Apple cider demonstrations are also an opportunity to see how the sweet stuff is made. The LaFayette Apple Festival runs Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm.
