40th annual Apple Harvest Festival unites Ithaca community

October 4, 2022

For the second year after the hiatus caused by the pandemic, the 40th annual Apple Harvest Festival was in full swing for all to enjoy. Vendors from across the Northeast came to celebrate the local Ithaca festival.

The Ithaca community gathered together to celebrate the 40th annual Apple Harvest Festival on The Commons from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. After its triumphant return last fall from the hiatus of the COVID-19 pandemic, vendors hoped for an equally active and exciting festival. Local Ithacans did not disappoint, flocking the streets in search of food, drinks and crafts from vendors far and wide. Apple Fest was conveniently held the same weekend as Ithaca College’s Family Weekend and President La Jerne Cornish’s inauguration, resulting in a memorable experience for all members of the Ithaca community.

Thomas Russo at the Sugar Lips Booth prepares a caramel mixture that is served with sliced apples to festival goers. Russo said he has been working at Apple Fest since he was 13 years old. *Jadyn Davis/The Ithacan*

Sheri Kay, who owns the Maple River Syrup Company with her sons, said she is thrilled to be back at Apple Fest after a hiatus during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kay and Maple River have been a staple of Apple Fest for many years. Ray Milburn/The Ithacan

Customers form a long line waiting for one of the many food trucks at Apple Fest. *Jasmine Scriven/The Ithacan*

From left, Cornell University juniors Jinjee Denner, James Connolly and Annabel Maldonado sit along the edge of Cayuga Street. After a long day of perusing local vendors and artisans, the three students enjoyed the unreleased apple pie empanada from SPM Empanadas, one of the many participating food vendors. *Kalysta Donaghy-Robinson/The Ithacan*

From left, Ricardo Escobedo, Peter Bakija and Felix Teitelbaum choose a new track to play at the WRFI Community Radio booth at Apple Fest. *Ana Gavilanes/The Ithacan*

Kettle Corn Shoppe served up freshly squeezed lemonade and popcorn, a unique offering at Apple Fest. *Tessa Dill/The Ithacan*

Tom Romer adds some more apple cider to his cup to keep himself warm. *Ana Gavilanes/The Ithacan.*

The carnival and entertainment section of the annual Apple Harvest Festival was located at the corner of West State Street and Cayuga Street. Among the many food vendors and artisans populating the festival, there were also carnival rides, cotton candy and popcorn stands. *Kalysta Donaghy-Robinson/The Ithacan*

The Cider House Farm Tour & Tastings vending stand was a very popular attraction for local Ithacans. *Tessa Dill/The Ithacan*

Amara Steinkraus, who managed the Little Tree Orchards booth, said she is following in her mother’s footsteps, as she has been working the booth at Apple Fest for the last 12 years. *Jadyn Davis/The Ithacan*

From left, Sid Green and Janet Batch of the Four-Bangers performed songs from their album “You Be the Wolf” at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on The Commons during Apple Fest on Oct. 1. The band also features Mike Brando and Chris Ploss, who are not pictured. *Ray Milburn/The Ithacan*

Local Ithaca musician Steve Perrigo plays his guitar during Apple Fest. Perrigo said that he comes back every year to perform because of the warmth of the people he finds there. *Kalysta Donaghy-Robinson/The Ithacan*

Ashley Messana speaks with a customer about the variety of jewelry on sale at her business’ booth. *Jasmine Scriven/The Ithacan*

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About the Contributor

Ana Gavilanes, Photographer