Like a tiny seed that becomes a towering tree, the Islip Apple Festival has blossomed over the years into a tri-state event, attracting some 40,000 fairgoers annually.
“The Apple Festival has grown from a quaint fall event enjoyed by local residents to a spectacular fall tradition for local residents as well as many others from the tri-state area,” Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said in an interview with South Shore Press.
More than a fair, the event serves as a connection for residents, both past and present. As Carpenter notes, “The Town of Islip Apple Festival has become a reunion for many that grew up in Islip and moved away but return yearly to spend the day with family and friends, enjoying shopping, line dancing to Southbound, riding the antique carousel, and savoring delicious apple treats.”
Now entering its 44th year, the Islip Apple Festival is planned for Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Islip Grange, 10 Broadway Ave. in Sayville. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 27, according to the municipal website. While the festival actually kicked off in 1978, Carpenter said COVID-19 caused a two-year hiatus.
Besides the traditional offerings like a food court, petting zoo, and crafts vendors, as well as amusement and pony rides, there will be a scarecrow contest, which is free to enter and open to all ages. According to Carpenter, participants are invited to drop off their scarecrows between 8 and 10 a.m. on the day of the fair.
“The Scarecrow Contest is a big part of the festival,” Carpenter said. “Scarecrows from local families and community groups are created and displayed at the Apple Festival. It is free to enter. Ribbons are awarded to the winners.”
But, of course, the festival is a tribute to all things apple, and Carpenter noted that variety abounds—everything from candy apples and fritters to apple ices and bourbon apple roasted nuts. New this year is Apple Alley, where “you will now find all your apple treats and goodies,” she said.
To go along with those farm-fresh New York apples, Carpenter anticipates two large festival food courts with more than 25 food trucks serving a wide range of culinary delights, not limited to gyros, sausage and peppers, fried wonton, hot roasted corn, empanadas, pizza, ice cream, and poutine—with fresh squeezed lemonade to quench one’s thirst.
For the children, the Town of Islip Recreation Department provides free apple crafts, Rocking Horse Ranch offers pony rides and a petting zoo, and the young at heart can enjoy a carnival with rides and games by S&S Amusements. For music fans, Southbound will feature country favorites on the main stage, while The Other Two Acoustic Duo plays a variety in the North Field Food Tent, both throughout the day.
In addition, the vendor market promises more than 300 merchants with plenty of gift ideas for yourself or others, from jewelry to toys, wood crafts to holiday décor.
Of the event's impact on businesses, Carpenter said, “The Apple Festival is one of the biggest festivals on Long Island, bringing over 40,000 fairgoers yearly to Islip. Local businesses and residents make up over 50% of the vendors and merchants at the event.”
Both admission and parking are free of charge, along with the shuttle buses from Sayville Train Station that will run from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for fairgoer transportation.
For more information, contact the Town of Islip Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs office at 631-224-5430 or visit islipny.gov.
"After a long, hot summer, our residents look forward to the crisp autumn air and the festive atmosphere that brings our Islip community together," she said.