by Grace Scism
for Hilton Apple Fest Committee
The Hilton Apple Fest is celebrating a milestone birthday this year – 40 years of offering free family fun and a celebration of the rich apple-growing heritage and autumn harvest in the Village of Hilton. This year’s Apple Fest will be held Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2 at the Hilton Community Center, 59 Henry Street.
A celebration that benefits the entire community, Apple Fest provides the many nonprofit organizations and groups who are at the heart of the Hilton community with an opportunity to join in the celebration, while also fundraising for all their causes.
What makes this long-awaited two-day event possible? About 200 volunteers, 100 crafters, 22 not-for-profit food vendors, nine generous sponsors and of course, two apple growers – Partyka Farms and R & K Bakery (Zarpentine Farms R&K, LLC).
New this year is the Autumn Decorating Contest for Hilton Village residents. The Village will be dressed up to celebrate 40 years of the Hilton Apple Fest with porches, yards, and front exterior entryways showing off the beauty and charm of the autumn season. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, third, and grand prize.
Take a chance on the new Visa Gift Card raffle at the Craft Raffle Booth. There will be one winner of a $500 Visa Gift Card to help with holiday shopping (drawing December 5, 2022). Proceeds will help establish a scholarship for next year’s college-bound Hilton High School graduates.
While it’s always a good idea to add a few surprises, the Hilton Apple Fest wouldn’t be the same without the time-honored traditions that visitors look forward to every year. That includes two days of first-rate local entertainment held on three stages – the Main Stage, Gazebo Stage, and Kids Corner Stage.
Speaking of kids, Corey’s Apple Pond returns with plenty of apples and prizes – and everyone is a winner! Just fish an apple out of the “pond” and keep the apple and a prize. Then stop by the Kids’ Corner for pony rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Farmers Market will have everything spicy, sweet, nutty, saucy and homegrown, and there are sure to be plenty of samples. Take home some delicious treats to enjoy or give as gifts.
In the Hilton Community Center, browse the Collectors’ Sale featuring sports cards, memorabilia, novelties, toys, die cast models, action figures, comics, and more. Then visit the Ingham Room where homemade apple pies will be lined up for judging on Saturday morning. In the Village Historian’s Office, there will be displays depicting the history of the Village of Hilton and Town of Parma. And lastly, flu shots will be available both days in the Senior Lounge.
Just down the road at Village Elementary School, the 40th Annual Hilton Apple Fest Auto Show will be held on Saturday, October 1. This year, stock and modified truck classes will be highlighted. Gates open at 8 a.m.
Visit the Hilton Apple Fest on October 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and October 2 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking is available at Hilton High School, 400 East Avenue. Free shuttle service is available to the Apple Fest grounds on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Handicap access parking and shuttle are also available at Hilton High School.
