The 47th Ruthven Apple Festival enjoyed perfect weather over the September 26-27 weekend, attracting thousands of festival fans to the grounds at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens in Ruthven.
Saturday’s kickoff events included the popular apple peeling contest between local dignitaries, an opening ceremony and the official opening of the vendors’ alley and farmers’ market. Community Living Essex County (CLEC) Chair Chad Sutherland bested the local political figures for the longest apple peel in the contest.
Continuous live entertainment filled the grounds with sounds of local musicians belting out their tunes to the backdrop of apple pie baking and people having fun.
The festival is the signature event for Community Living Essex County, who use the proceeds to help pay for programs for their over-700 clients across Essex County. Over $1 million has been raised over the years.
