43rd Annual Apple Harvest Festival Draws Crowds and Late Showers

For as many people as it took to organize the 43rd Annual Apple Harvest Festival, there were that many and some that came out for opening ceremonies Friday night.

The festival always is a sure bet for live entertainment and plenty of different things to eat.

The center of town drew hundreds to begin the six-day festival that takes place over the course of two consecutive weekends, Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 and Oct. 7 through Oct. 9.

Christopher Palmieri, Festival Supervisory Committee Chair, greeted the audience thanking everyone who helped to make the event possible. “The sponsors play a big part in how it all comes together. Gold and Silver alike, we are grateful to them all.” Palmieri also announced that 275 volunteers were to be credited for assisting in the festival’s logistics.

While on-street parking is not permitted during the festival hours and those streets closest to the area show posted signs, there is ample free parking at Southington High School and Derynonski Elementary School. Additionally, ongoing shuttle bus service is available from the high school parking lot, to keep congestion low. The Harvest Festival is considered a good deal because there is no admission fee.

Specialties such as Kalani’s crab cakes, and sushi from Noble Japanese Hibachi & Sushi Bar are added to the culinary roster of all time favorites such as meatball grinders from Boy Scout Troop 17 and homemade chili from Renegade Pigs.

It wouldn't be an Apple Festival without the granular chewy sweetness of the Apple Fritter, made by the Zion Lutheran Church volunteers. The fritter tent always draws a huge crowd. People will stand in line for as long as it takes to get a fare share of their autumnal craving filled.

Luckily the evening got off to a great start on weather, and many had a chance to eat, enjoy the carnival and rock out to live performances by two bands. ‘Hard Water’ played the main stage and ‘Uncle Susan’ played in the Live Music Tent area which was added this year. The second entertainment area gives those walking around nearest the carnival area a place to sit and eat in between rides for children. Family night offers $20 wrist bands per person allowing for a 'ride all night' entry.

A heavy downpour began at about 8:15 and dampened the last 40 minutes or so. Many people took shelter in the tents that were set up, in drive-up banking parking area of Bank of America and under the Southington Elks Lodge Oktoberfest tent.

A fireworks show to be held at the dog park located on Mill Street is scheduled for Saturday Oct. 1 with a rain date Saturday, Oct. 8.

For a complete schedule of events and entertainment visit the schedule posted here:.