Family fun this weekend at 32nd Annual Apple Festival

Ruthven is getting ready to serve up apples in many forms — in pies, under caramel, in bread, in muffins and fresh off the tree.

"We look forward to a busy weekend as we ushed in the fall harvest and celebrate Apple Fest,"said Tony DeSantis, manager community relations, Community Living Essex County. "The festival truly is a family affair with a paraded, children's games, a midway and rides."

This Saturday (Sept. 24) the 32nd Annual Ruthven Apple Festival will kick off with a breakfast at Colasanti's, served by the Ruthven Oddfellows and friends from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m.

Then the ever-popular parade will wend its way down County Road 45 to Road 3 East to Colasanti's.

A host of dignitaries will assist with the opening ceremonies of the two-day festival and then put their apple peeling skills to the test in the annual battle of the peeling politicians.

Over 100 vendors and artisans will display their wares, while entertainment performs on stage from 12:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. A highlight of the event will be a showcase of local musical talent from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

And, of course, there'll be food — from sausages and fries to apple pie a la mode, festival goers can indulge in some of the baked goods featuring the season's finest fruit — the apple.

A farmers' market will also give guests a chance to purchase the fresh produce grown 'in their own backyard'.

For the youngsters, the midway will be open, as well as games and inflatables (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday).

For the auto afficionadoes, a car show will grace the grounds of B&S Storage (located next to Colasanti's) on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"The proceeds raised from the festival help in updating our transportation services which is vital to help those we support better participate in their community through employment, volunteering, recreation activities, etc," added DeSantis.

To date, the festival has raised about $645,000 to benefit Community Living Essex County.