What’s better than a festival? How about a food festival?

Tis the season for Apple Festivals! Apple donuts, apple pie, apple dumplings, hot apple cider, apple turnovers, apple ice cream, and apple everything else under the sun. I took a trip to Ithaca,NY for their 33rd annual apple fest, which did not disappoint. If you take a trip outside of Syracuse you’ll find an equally amazing and supportive community which helps uplift ‘Cuse. Festivals are rich opportunities to connect with the greater community that is Central New York. Here you’ll find a professor wolfing down a warm slice of apple pie, a social entrepreneur selling fruit bowls, a non-profit executive passing out hot apple cider, and a mayor judging an apple pie eating contest. Move over network night and hello network festival!

Unfortunately, Ithaca’s Apple Festival has already passed, but please check out the Lafayette Apple Festival this weekend! Rain or shine, you’ll have a good time!

What: Lafayette Apple Festival

Where: 5330 Rowland Rd, Lafayette, NY 13084

When: Saturday, October 10th 9am-6pm & Sunday, October 11th 9am-5pm

Cost: $5 Admission (12 & under free), Free to park, & Free entertainment

What to do: This year’s attractions include: The Kountry Kitchen-where you’ll find all your apple pastries and the treasured apple pancake breakfast for the early birds.  Cider Mill– Have you ever watched cider being made? Do you want to participate in making it? Do you enjoy free samples? If you answered yes to any of those questions, be sure to check out the antique cider press. Midway– For that inner kid in all of use who just wants to win a ginormous stuffed bear and spin yourself dizzy. Apple King & Queen Contest– Put those Elevator Pitch skills to use and you may leave with a crown! Winners will be selected based off of ability to convey messages within an allotted time, poise, effectiveness, presentation, grammar, and delivery.

Website: www.lafayetteapplefest.org