It’s a tradition unlike any other around these parts.
It’s an event that bids adieu to summer and ushers in the glorious, colorful beginning of fall.
It’s an event for people of all ages, one that offers an abundance of fun, food and fellowship.
And, for the second time in as many years, Rhode Island’s oldest operating bank – Washington Trust Company – will serve as the corporate sponsor for the North Central Chamber of commerce’s annual Apple Fest, which will be held for the 28th time next weekend, Sept. 19-20, inside Johnston War Memorial Park.
“Washington Trust is honored and excited to serve as the corporate sponsor for this year’s Apple Fest,” said Daniel P. Orovitz, vice president and branch manager at the bank’s Johnston location. “It’s an excellent opportunity for families to celebrate the harvest with pie-baking contests and enjoy a wide variety of great foods.”
Moreover, Orovitz, who is serving as the event’s general chairman, added: “We’re also excited that this year’s Apple Fest will have upwards of 100 different booths, and the committee has worked real, real hard to make this one of the Chamber’s best events in recent memory.”
Jamie Dufresne, the Chamber’s new executive director, this week announced Apple Fest will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and a free shuttle will be available to and from Johnston High School’s spacious parking lot.
While Washington Trust is the premier corporate sponsor, Dufresne announced that The Children’s Workshop of Smithfield – where she once worked – has signed on to sponsor the much-needed shuttle service.
Because an estimated 5,000 people are expected to visit Apple Fest and Johnston War Memorial Park has limited parking, Chamber officials are excited about having a full-fledged sponsor that will concentrate on transporting people and their families throughout the weekend.
And, as Dufresne pointed out: “Especially since there will be so many shopping opportunities at our long list of vendors, the shuttle service will make it easier for people to carry and all purchases to their vehicles.”
In keeping with tradition, the 28th annual Apple Fest will feature the always-interesting apple pie eating and baking contests. Entries to both events are still being accepted, and those interested in either event should call the Chamber’s headquarters at 401-404-4279.
The pie-baking contest will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m., while the pie-eating contest will be judged at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Apple Fest will also feature a free kids’ zone sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Paint Store of Johnston.
“We’ll have everything from farm-fresh apples from Appleland Orchard in Smithfield to the Chamber’s famous sausage and pepper sandwiches,” Dufresne said. “There will be music and entertainment all weekend long, and there will be many, many different shopping opportunities for people of all ages.”
Orovitz, meanwhile, emphasized: “The Chamber’s Apple Festival Committee has been working hard to keep this time-honored tradition alive and vibrant in the town of Johnston, and we’re looking forward to a wonderful fun festival.”
Dufresne then added: “There are a number of ways that Chamber members can get involved. You can volunteer your time to help sell apple pies, greet our guests, sauté some sausage and peppers and help keep the festivities going throughout the park. If a person would like to help, we urge them to sign on now and enjoy the fun.”
There may still be some vendor opportunities available, and those interested in showcasing their wares and businesses should call Dufresne at 401-404-4279 or Orovitz at 401-654-4837.
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