A chance to experience Applefest before the crowds
Warwick What if we told you there is a way to enjoy Applefest without having to deal with the crowds? Would you believe it? Welcome to Applefest Eve. Yes, for the past five years, the Warwick Valley Community Center, one of the recipients of funds from Applefest, has hosted Applefest Eve, an opportunity for families in the community to enjoy the food and rides that everyone else in the tri-state area will enjoy on Sunday. This year, there are two Applefest eves. Friday night is teen night. Food vendors, games and rides, which are being provided by a new company this year, will be set up at Stanley-Deming Park. Five bands, all chosen by teens, will be playing throughout the evening. Pam Grandinali, an Applefest committee member, said Friday is geared toward teens in middle school and high school. Saturday evening, the other Applefest eve, is family night. Bracelets will be available for $10 allowing kids unlimited rides all night. Food and games will also be available, but not the bands. Both evening events run from 4 to 10 p.m. Applefest and the nights before are some of the major fundraisers for the community center. “Without it, the Warwick Valley Community Center would be hard-pressed to exist,” said Grandinali. The community center provides many community-based events, including a free after school program for teens, offering homework help, anti-drug and alcohol education, and a safe place to hang out with friends. In addition, it is home to one of the only preschools in Warwick that offers financial aid, scholarships, and a sliding scare for tuition. Same with the spring and summer camps financial help is also given for these. The mission of the community center is to provide affordable and accessible recreation and activities to the people of Warwick. The center is home to many non-profit groups in town. You can also take a yoga class, learn to dance, and meet with the independent and foreign film groups all at the Warwick Valley Community Center. Each week, the Warwick Kennel Club holds its meetings there. You can even attend church at 11 Hamilton Avenue. The money from the “eve” events all goes to the community center. The proceeds from Applefest, which started in 1988 and has grown into one of the premier craft events in the country, is split between the community center and the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, which then distributes its share to other local non-profit groups. “Most of the money we make at Applefest comes from out-of-towners,” said Grandinali. “And the community benefits tremendously both with money and volunteer opportunities.” Grandinali has coordinated with the high school for getting volunteers for both the Applefest eve and Applefest festivities. Most of the ticket salespeople for the rides are high school students wanting to do community service. Volunteers are also used to direct people throughout the village on the big day, which draws an estimated 30,000 people. “The community is grateful for the services provided through the community center, and we are grateful for what this event allows us to do for the community,” said Grandinali. “We hope the people of Warwick will come out on Friday and Saturday nights and have some fun with us.” Related stories and photos appear on page 20.