Apple Fest return has great appeal with locals

After two days of misty rain leading up to the 44^th annual Ruthven Apple Festival, organizers were more than pleased with the sunny skies that prevailed over the September 30-October 1  weekend at the Colasanti’s Tropcial Gardens grounds.

Saturday morning kicked off with opening ceremonies at the main stage, followed by the always popular Apple Peeling Contest featuring a number of local dignitaries. When all the apples were peeled the longest continuous peel came off the knife of Essex County Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti.

First-time peeler Bachetti, who is also the Deputy Mayor of Tecumseh, just edged fellow newcomer Mayor Michael Prue of Amherstburg.

All seven municipalities in the county were represented as well as local MP Chris Lewis and local MPP Anthony Leardi.

The crowd then came in droves as local residents appeared excited to attend their first Apple Fest in four years.

Community Living Essex County’s Manager of Community Relations Tony DeSantis was thrilled with the turnout and the weather.

“It was so good to get back in front of the people,” he said.

About 130 craft, product, art and food vendors were set up along lanes named after apples — such as McIntosh and Granny Smith.

The Community Living Farmers Market was teeming with fresh produce — especially plenty of apples — as patrons managed to get some healthy snacks for home.

Ruthie Van Apple — the Apple Fest mascot — made time on both days to wander around the grounds and greet big kids and little kids a like, often stopping for photo opportunities.

Live entertainment was played on the main stage throughout the weekend and a giant car show organized by the Leamington Area Classic Cruisers featured at least 400 vehicles on Sunday.

Fresh slices of apple pie were available, or you could buy a whole pie to share with the family. Other vendors featured products for the home, art, crafts and snacks.

In the end, the big winner is the over-700 clients with intellectual disabilities served by Community Living Essex County — many of whom attended the festival and sported huge smiles.