Fall Decoration Contest new this year, festivities set for Sept. 29 and 30

Hilton’s annual celebration of the apple harvest will take place on Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30. In its 21st year, the Hilton Apple Fest gives families an opportunity to enjoy fresh apple treats, free entertainment and a showcase of artists’ handcrafted goods. What some may not know is that it’s also a great fundraising opportunity for local not-for-profit groups. Churches, scout troops and school organizations have funded many worthwhile programs and activities with the money they earned through food sales at the festival.

At a time when Americans are opening their wallets to help so many in need, it’s also important to note that the Apple Fest Committee donates an average of $5,000 per year to organizations and projects throughout the community. This year, Vice Chairperson Faye Cole said the committee is considering a donation to help victims of the recent terrorist acts and their families. The committee traditionally makes that decision after the festival has taken place.

As with every Apple Fest, there are new events and old favorites to enjoy. This year, the Fall Decoration Contest is back, but with a new twist. Rather than asking people to bring their decorations to the festival grounds, participants will be decorating their homes and businesses instead. It’s actually three contests with the same theme. The first is a Fall Decoration Contest for Residents of the town of Parma. Residents are being asked to decorate their front porches or the fronts of their homes to reflect the fall season. "Many people travel to the village for the Apple Fest and this is a great way to spruce up!" said Linda Viney, committee member. "The best part of this contest is that the decoration will be on people’s own property. They won’t have to move it when the contest is over and will be able to enjoy it for the whole season."

The registration deadline is September 25; decorations must be up by Wednesday, September 26 and remain in place until after the Apple Fest is over. Prizes range from $10 to $75 and will be determined by a panel of judges, with the exception of the popular vote. For this, photos will be taken and displayed in the Ingham Room of the Hilton Community Center and visitors will cast ballots for their favorites.

The second Fall Decoration Contest is for businesses in the town of Parma. It’s based on the same premise, but winners will be determined by popular vote only. Winners will receive ribbons to display at their places of business.

Children won’t be left out of the Fall Decoration Contest either. Children ages 12 and under are being encouraged to make fall decorations to be displayed in the Ingham Room during the Apple Fest. Entrants can be an individual or class. Each display may not exceed one foot wide by one foot long, but may be as tall as the child would like (and mom and dad can transport). All entrants will receive a token gift as a thank you for participating.

Also in the Ingham Room will be the Apple of My Eye Photo Contest display. This year’s theme is travel photos – "Seeing the World Through Your Eyes." The contest always attracts many entrants and with this year’s theme, visitors are likely to see photos that were taken all over the world.

As always, there will be plenty of events that will appeal to children. Look for the big inflatable goal post in front of the Community Center. That is where Rochester Amerks hockey players and Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse players will be on hand for autographs and photos on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can meet the Amerks moose on Saturday and the Knighthawks mascot, LAXCALIBUR, both days of the festival. They can also try to hit a puck into the goal.

The smaller children will enjoy meeting Blues Clues, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Cassie from Dragon Tales characters. They will be walking around the festival both days and will pose for pictures.

New this year in the way of souvenirs will be long-sleeved T-shirts. Last year, Donna McCracken, a regular visitor and volunteer to the Apple Fest, suggested that the tees be added to the variety of items sporting the Apple Fest logo and the committee thought it was a good idea. There will also be logo sweatshirts and short-sleeved T-shirts, tote bags, hats, plus plenty of apple-themed items.

Recently added to the Apple Fest offerings is a voter registration booth sponsored by the Monroe County Republican Committee. The booth will be open both days. Look on the Apple Fest map for its location.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free as are the shuttle buses. Organizers ask that visitors leave their roller blades, bikes and pets at home. For complete details, log on to www.hiltonapplefest.org.