The 46th Ruthven Apple Festival enjoyed beautiful weather on the weekend, attracting thousands to the grounds of Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28.
The signature event for Community Living Essex County is a highlight of the fall festival season and drew people from all over the province.
Last year’s event raised $71,000 for CLEC, which goes directly toward supporting over 700 clients and their families across Essex County. This year’s tally is not yet in, but it’s expected to be a big one, especially considering the weather. It rained most of Saturday in 2024.
The event kicked off Saturday morning with the popular apple peeling contest among local dignitaries, where Essex MP Chris Lewis stood tall at the end with the longest peel, besting Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti by a couple of inches and last year’s champ Kirk Walstedt of Lakeshore, who came in third.
A rousing rendition of O Canada was performed in both official languages by four students from École St. Michel in Leamington —Kara and Hannah Dick and Olivia and Addilyn Bailey — delighting those in attendance with their vocal chops. Opening ceremony emcee Cordell Green from Country 95.9 radio kept the apple peelers focused on the task at hand.
With the festival officially open, the record 119 vendors and 16 food trucks took over from there, interspersed with live entertainment on the main stage, which ran both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday filled up quickly, but not compared to Sunday’s crowds which included about 400 classic cars for the annual Apple Fest Car Show and added to attendance.
“The 46th Annual Ruthven Apple Festival was one to remember. A record number of vendors, food trucks, guests, cars at the car show, and of course the most amazing weather,” said CLEC Manager of Community Relations and Resource Development Janell Violet. “Thank you to Colasanti’s for their continued support and partnership, allowing us to hold this amazing event on their property.”
Violet also issued a heartfelt thank you to the vendors, volunteers, staff, people supported, and the Apple Festival Steering Committee for their hard work and dedication.
“And of course our guests who join us year after year to make this event supporting Community Living Essex County one of the best around,” she added.
Jason Clark of Cottam Candy prepares cotton candy for the masses at the 46th annual Ruthven Apple Festival on Saturday, September 27.
SUN photo
