Bring the kids to Applefest Eve and let them enjoy without the crowds

Warwick— For the past six years, Stanley-Deming Park has been THE place to be for Warwick’s kids on Applefest Eve. They don’t have to fight the crush of out-of-towners to enjoy the rides, games, music, and food—at least not on Friday and Saturday nights. The Warwick Valley Community Center, which is one of the recipients of funds from Applefest, has hosted Applefest Eve since its inception. It is 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. For the second year, there are two Applefest Eves. Friday night starts off this wonderful weekend with music by DJ Steve Regan. He’ll play rock, soul, contemporary, and pop music for everyone to enjoy. And there will be exciting giveaways. The first 100 kids under 12 years old will receive a free gift. Every half hour, kids will have a chance to win a free 2007 Applefest t-shirt. The food is great and the games are fun, according to Pam Grandinali, an Applefest committee member. Saturday evening, the real Applefest Eve, is family night. Bracelets will be available for purchase and allow kids unlimited rides all night. Food and games will also be available. 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 pre-schools 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. The community center is grateful for what this event allows us to do for the community. We hope the people of Warwick will come out on Friday and Saturday nights and have some fun with us.”