GREENE – What better way to celebrate the arrival of fall than a festival dedicated entirely to the season’s favorite fruit? 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the annual Applefest. Yes, that is a celebration strictly about apples. The event takes place Saturday September 24, at Ball Flats in Greene, New York from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What began as a family friendly event to raise money for the community by two couples from the First United Methodist Church, turned into a tradition in Chenango County. According to Gerri Corey, chairperson of the event, “The original AppleFest was held at the Scout House at the Ball Flats; the current AppleFest encompasses the entire Ball Flats, and draws people from all over New York State and Pennsylvania as both craft vendors and visitors.”

While the original event was run entirely by the First United Methodist Church, the festival is now part of the community including several organizations such as the American Legion, Chenango County Habitat for Humanity, the Dave Clark Foundation, and various school organizations.

“In addition, many state, county, and local non-profits engage to provide information and demonstrations, such as the State Police, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department, Lourdes Community Outreach and the Greene Fire Department,” said Corey. Applefest also has support from local businesses like T&K Harrington, Manasse Auctioneers, and Lilley Farms.