HILTON, N.Y. — In a state with the big apple, apple growing is a part of New York's identity. Yet in Monroe County, fewer farmers are choosing to grow and sell them.

Members of the New York Apple Association say lands, where apples used to grow, are getting turned over to developers as long-time farming families get out of the business. Other growers choose to plant more profitable crops. Many groves in the region are no longer harvested by local farm owners. They lease the land to larger companies.

Finding people to work in those fields is another challenge that's changing the face of our local apple industry.

This new reality will not stop the Hilton Apple Festival from returning from the pandemic. It's celebrating the harvest and the season for the 40th year.

Timmy Webster, the festival's co-chair, spoke with Spectrum News 1's Jim Aroune about the event and what visitors can look forward to this year.

The Apple Fest is held on the festival grounds on Henry Street in Hilton. It runs Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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