Applefest 2021 canceled
Warwick. Unlike the venues for some other large festivals held in New York, there are no gates in the village to control the number of visitors and there is no way to require or check for masks on participants or the thousands of attendees.
| 23 May 2021 | 09:34
The Warwick Applefest sign at the Chamber of commerce caboose office. This year’s celebration of all things apples and Warwick has been canceled because of continued concerns about COVID-19. Provided photos.
Warwick Applefest organizers have announced that this year’s annual festival, scheduled for October 2021 in Warwick, has again been canceled.
This difficult decision was made based on government restrictions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus currently in effect for large events, and to protect the health of the event’s many sponsors, craft & food vendors, volunteers, suppliers, visitors and community members.
Ultimately, the final decision regarding holding the large festival this fall is made by New York State and Orange County government officials, in conjunction with Town and Village of Warwick officials.
Fair and festival regulations most recently announced by New York State include some COVID safety precautions and requirements that would not be possible at this event, including “limiting the event to maintain social distancing so attendees have to try to stay six feet apart if they are not members of the same party — unless they are all vaccinated.”
Applefest is an outdoor venue, held in the streets and parks of the Village of Warwick. Unlike the venues for some other large festivals held in New York State, there are no gates in the Village to control the number of visitors, and there is no way to require or check for masks on participants or the thousands of attendees.
‘We are disappointed ... but we believe it’s the right decision’
“We’re disappointed that we are unable to host our festival again this year,” said Applefest Coordinator Crissy Hohmann. “But we believe it’s the right decision — for the safety of all involved with the event, and for our festival visitors.
“We look forward to holding Warwick Applefest again in 2022, when the health situation is safer and the event will not pose a risk to Applefest volunteers, vendors and attendees.”
Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration. Recently voted as “best fall festival” in Hudson Valley Magazine, an estimated 30,000 visitors attend the one-day event, traveling from neighboring states to experience Warwick – and the festival’s apples, food, crafts, music, entertainment and kids carnival.
Essentials
The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit the Warwick Valley Chamber, the Warwick Valley Community Center and some 50 local non-profit organizations, for whom this event is their biggest annual fundraiser.
Warwick Applefest is held in the Hudson Valley Village of Warwick, New York and admission is free.
To learn more about Warwick Applefest, go to: http://www.warwickapplefest.com.