It's apple picking season again in Central New York, meaning it's time for the 49th annual LaFayette Apple Festival.
The festival, designed to showcase New York's local apple crop, agriculture and the best of small town America will play host to hundreds of vendors with food, drink and entertainment for the entire family.
Here's what you need to know if you plan on attending:
When is the festival?
This year's Apple Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 9 at the festival grounds. There is also an apple pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m. on both days.
In celebration of the 49th rendition, a fireworks show will set off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
How do I get there?
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.
How much does it cost?
General admission to this year's festival are $6. Kids 12 and younger are free. Parking is also free.
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.
What to do
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.
On Saturday, you can also vist the Spectrum News 1 booth to pick up a tote bag and a stencil for the kids! Throughout the day, here are our team members you will have a chance to meet:
- Lacey Leonardi - 9 a.m.
- Shalon Stevens - 10 a.m.
- Devon Patton - 10 a.m.
- Krystal Cole - 2 p.m.
- Jack Durkin
Special events
Before the festival even kicks off, an apple pie baking contest will take place on Friday, October 8, with judging beginning at 7:30 p.m. For more information on registration deadlines, judging times and prizes, click here.
This year, the Thomas LaClair Classic 10K will be Sunday, October 9 starting at 9 a.m. Pre-registration for the race is now open for $45 a racer. Registration on the day of start at 7:30 a.m. at $50. The first 100 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. For more information, runners are asked to email Teresa Mech with any questions or concerns at thomaslaclairclassic@gmail.com.
Tips for your visit
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.