Long lines for apple treats and drinks, food trucks, carnival rides and even craft vendors were a common sight at the Town of Islip’s 46th annual Apple Festival, which took place last Saturday at the Islip Grange in Sayville.
Mild and clear weather helped bring nearly 40,000 people to the annual event, with the first 2,000 attendees taking a free shuttle bus from the Sayville Train Station receiving a free Apple Fest bag.
“The Apple Festival has been a cherished Town tradition for 46 years, and it is wonderful to see so many residents and families come together to celebrate the season,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “On behalf of the Town Board, I want to thank our Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and Public Safety, along with the many vendors, participants, and volunteers who helped make this year’s festival such a success.”
The town sold apple desserts alongside the Sayville Fire Department, which sold cider and apples freshly picked from Hudson, N.Y. Dozens of craft vendors packed the Islip Grange with wares for fall and Christmas, near local nonprofits that hosted tables with raffles and raising awareness for their groups.
Scarecrows were created by Town of Islip departments, local schools, individuals and families. Two not-so-scary-scarecrow displays depicting the late Dolly Parton, one made by the Town of Islip Recreation Department, and another by “Team Dolly” won first place in their categories for town-made and public-voted scarecrows.
Town of Islip Cultural Affairs employee Meghan O’Reilly dressed as a scarecrow, and took free pictures for families inside an Apple Festival picture frame she designed. O’Reilly created a Johnny Appleseed scarecrow and helped design the contest’s mascot.
“I love being a part of our community and getting to add some vibrant colors to it!” O’Reilly said.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here