Apples play a significant role in the LaFayette area, especially in early October, when the annual LaFayette Apple Festival takes place.

Since the early 1970s, LaFayette, which is just south of Syracuse, has celebrated its apple industry with an event that offers numerous apple-based foods and activities, as well as homemade products from local artisans.

This year marks the 46th annual festival. The event features both apple-related and non-apple related foods, carnival rides, live music, games and apple pie and scarecrow contests. Nearly 400 vendors — including artisans and crafters, along with local nonprofit organizations — will offer products.

Dave Knapp, director of the LaFayette Apple Festival, has been involved with the festival from its start. Knapp’s parents were on the original committee that created the festival. Even as a kid, Knapp helped organize the apple festival.

The annual event will feature foods sold by local organizations and a variety of family-friendly activities. Courtesy of LaFayette Apple Festival

“Obviously it’s everything about apples, that’s No. 1, but we try to make it a family-type event,” Knapp said.

LaFayette is known for its apple production, and there are several apple orchards in the area. The event offers a variety of apple products such as apple cider, caramel apples, apple fritters and apple pies.

“We don’t allow people to sell food on the grounds unless they are one of the local organizations,” said Esther LaClair, one of three people who founded the festival. “It brings money into our town, the nonprofits, the churches (and) the schools.”

Some of these local, nonprofit organizations include churches, 4-H clubs and the LaFayette Athletic Booster Club, as well as sports-specific booster clubs. John Liddy, for example, heads the LaFayette Lacrosse Association booth.

Liddy has helped with the LaFayette Lacrosse Association’s booth for 10 years. He said that the funds from the apple festival help support the LaFayette varsity lacrosse team. Liddy said the apple festival has a strong impact on the community as a whole.

“Virtually every organization in the small town of LaFayette has a booth or something going on down there on the grounds, and it’s a good way to bring the community together. It’s a huge event and huge for the town … it’s something I think everyone in LaFayette is proud of,” Liddy said.

Knapp said the rides at the festival are a main attraction for children, while many adults enjoy visiting the home improvement vendors. The activities at the festival vary slightly from year to year — Knapp noted an aspect unique to this year’s festival, saying that therapy horses will be making an appearance.

The festival will take place on Oct. 6 and 7. Admission to the festival is $5 for adults and free for children under 12.

Published on October 1, 2018 at 1:56 am

Contact Mandy: ackrayna@syr.edu | @MandyKraynak