Never attended the Warwick Apple Fest? Essentially, it is the Autumn Lights Festival, without the commemoration of the stoplights. In keeping with its name, it is the celebration of autumn, focusing on the harvest of apples and pumpkins.
Between the food, crafts, and all the people, it is definitely an interesting experience, especially for first-timers. For many it is flashback to their younger years, bringing back memories of leisurely times spent with family. This year’s festival was no exception
The vendors at Apple Fest 2012 offered everything from commemorative apple related items to cute crafts, which seemed to be enjoyed by the younger crowd. The vendors fill the sidewalks and side streets, and even the park in the center of Warwick. With so much to experience and the large crowds milling about this was a full-day event. Many locals recommended that visitors from neighboring towns take the time to visit every vendor to see the wares they present. For those who did not enjoy all the walking, there was a $5 shuttle available to transport locals and tourists across town and down the road to the apple orchards.
Several live music performances were available. These ensembles were located throughout the town center, as well as down the road at Penning’s Farm Market. Many interactive vendors were present. Visitors could test their hand at rock mining in water troughs, watch leather crafters turn simple strips of leather into elaborate belts, wallets, or Zippo lighter cases. For the children, there was face painting, carnival style games, as well as carnival rides out in the park.
The Fest was a large mixing pot of visitors. Young children, parents and grandparents, as well as students from Ramapo, Warwick, Lakeland, West Milford, Wanaque, and Pompton Lakes attended. It is fair to say that Apple Fest is a rapidly growing tradition amongst the local northern New Jersey residents. With the success of this year’s festival, it is safe to say that next year’s will be the same, if not a greater success.
