It's apple picking season again in Cental New York, meaning it's time for the 48th annual LaFayette Apple Festival. The event was held off last fall due to the coronavirus, but is returning this Columbus Day weekend. 

More than 400 vendors and 18 non-profits will be in attendance with food, drink and entertainment for the entire family. Upwards of 30,000 are expected from as far as New England to enjoy crafters, contests and concessions.

Here's what you need to know if you plan on attending:

The LaFayette Apple Festival Board of Directors is recommending that all guests, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in all buildings and tents. If you don’t have a mask with you, they will be available at all ticket booths.

This year's Apple Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 9 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 10 at the festival grounds. There is also an apple pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m. on both days. 

The festival is located at 5330 Rowland Road in Lafayette. From the north or south, take Route 81 to Exit 14, Tully. Take Route 80 West 1 mile to Tully Farms Rd. Make a right on Tully Farms and drive 5 miles to the festival grounds. From the west or east, take Route 20 to Tully Farms Road. Follow signs for festival parking.

If you're coming from Syracuse, take Route 80 South to Route 20 East. This usually gets you into the festival grounds quicker than coming from Route 81.

General admission to this year's festival are $6. Kids 12 and younger are free. Parking is also free. Pre-sale tickets for the LaFayette Apple Festival are currently on sale for $5 at Cindy’s Diner in LaFayette or Bailey's Ice Cream Stand on Rt. 11 in Nedrow.

What to eat

Apples by the peck and pound will be the main event of the festival with signature pies and hand-pressed ciders, but there will be plenty of other options to enjoy. Click here for more information on the best food and where to find it.

Beyond the vendors, there's plenty of fun for the family on the midway. Ticket booths will be available for amusement style, pony and seasonal wagon rides. Be sure to stop by the many craft tables with goodies from over 500 craftsmen. 

This year's festival will also feature a petting zoo and free musical entertainment. For more information on this year's attractions, click here. 

Before the festival even kicks off, an apple pie baking and scarecrow building contest will take place on Friday, October 8. For more information on registration deadlines, judging times and prizes, click here.

To ensure your festival experience is unforgettable, here are some "do's and don'ts" for your day. 

• Non-service dogs are not allowed on the grounds 
• Bring a backpack or reusable shopping tote for your purchases
• Wear comfortable shoes - there's lots to see
• Get a taste of the festival with reasonable pricing and plenty of options

Other things to note, due to the Apple Fest being a family-friendly and community event, organizers ask that there be no political activity on festival grounds.