Proudly serving the community of Essex and surrounding areas.
Vol. 136
A LOOK INSIDE New sports facility has huge potential PAGE 3 _______________ New EDO has an open door policy PAGE 6 _______________ Canada South Coast bike tour a huge success PAGE 9 _______________ Fall Home Improvement PAGES 11-17 _______________
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Issue No. 39
Apple Fest celebrates record 37th year
Library strike security costing taxpayers $29,000 a week PAGE 21 ________________ 73’s Pick up two wins to start the new season PAGE 27 _______________
Looking For A Good Home
“PAUL NEWMAN” See Page 5 for adoption info.
by Shelbey Hernandez It is not uncommon for the Ruthven Apple Festival to attract a large crowd. This year’s attendance of around 10,000 to 12,000 patrons, however, is thought to have contributed to a record attendance. The Ruthven Apple Festival is hosted annually to raise money for Community Living Essex County. Every year, the weekendlong event raises money for this organization. Every part of it was a new record high. There were more vendors, more cars for the
car show, and more people attending. Tony DeSantis, Manager of Community Relations and Resource Development for Community Living Essex County, explained that in the past the weather hasn’t always cooperated. But this year, with the weather as nice as it was, there was no wonder why so many people came out to the festival. “This weekend had the most beautiful fall weather,” DeSantis said, who has been a part of the festival for 14 years. “It was so
packed we couldn’t find enough parking, we ran out of apple pies, there wasn’t much left at the farmers’ market in terms of produce, we almost sold out of our raffle. It was huge this year. I know there’s always big numbers, but I didn’t know they were going to be that big.” There were a few changes to how it was built up this year. More money was put into the farmers’ market and not much advertising was done this year. Yet, the numbers were higher than ever before. From 2009 to 2011, this
festival was one of the Top 100 best festivals in Ontario, which is amazing, according to DeSantis, considering there are approximately 2,000 festivals across Ontario. Still, he said that recognition isn’t in any way surprising. The event is a staple for many county residents who have made it part of their family tradition. “It is one of the most unique, family-oriented, traditional, wholesome, fun festivals in our area,” DeSantis said. “It brings community together from all levels, all different families, all backgrounds, all interests, and all age groups, all to celebrate the harvest of the apple, but also to come together to raise money for a really good cause. Some people don’t realize it until after where the proceeds go to, so it also serves as a good way to educate people.” The festival was once located on County Road 34 on the hamlet in Ruthven, but it outgrew that location quickly. Now, that location serves as the starting point for the apple festival parade. Although a total is unknown for this year, last year’s event raised $45,000. The festival Steering Committee is certain it will make that or more. The money will be used for purchasing accessible vehicle transportation or for providing maintenance to existing accessible vehicles.