PERU — For 46 years, the Peru community has kept a special tradition alive.
And this weekend again saw the St. Augustine Parish Center Grounds host the annual Applefest celebration featuring a parade, live music, a chicken BBQ, a craft fair, carnival games, concessions and more.
FEELING THE ENERGY
Applefest is a long-running tradition upheld and appreciated by members of the community.
“I love it, I’ve been coming here yearly for about six years or so,” said Barbara Stebbins, aparade spectator and Plattsburgh native.
“It is beautiful, I love it. The crafts, the food, the jewelry, everything. The music and the people, just feeling the energy surrounding me.”
CARAMEL APPLE BLOSSOMS
Returning this year were a plethora of carnival games including spinning wheels, ball or ring tosses, fishing games and more, as well as the concessions including apple fritters, fried dough and a caramel apple blossom booth right next to the Stewart’s Shops ice cream station.
“We have fried dough and apple fritters, those are always a hit, but we have something new this year, Caramel Apple Blossoms,” said John Ryan, Applefest committee chair
“Another thing about Peru, people move here from all other parts of the country and they bring all kinds of exciting new ideas with them.”
Applefest is not limited to the residents of Peru, according to Ryan. People come from all over for the event, and to move to the area.
“I would like to keep introducing new things. People ask me ‘What’s new at applefest this year, John?’” Ryan said.
FOOD AND FUN
Also returning this year was the Kid Zone featuring a bouncy castle, child-friendly roller coaster, face painting and a build-your-own plushie tent.
Some other event highlights included a 50-plus vendor craft fair, 20 hand-made gift baskets to bid for with raffles and a 50/50 raffle.
The baskets, made by Mary Nisoff, included seasonal items, toys, snacks, drinks and more
The craft fair included local vendors selling handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, art, decorations, holiday-themed goods and more.
Of course, the popular chicken BBQ, an Applefest staple put on by the Peru Knights of Columbus Council 7273 every year, was part of the festivities.
APPLEFEST PARADE
The Applefest parade this year lasted just over an hour and featured first responders of the North Country, local businesses and agencies, non-profits, as well as members of the community.
“It was awesome, there was a lot more creativity this year and a lot more effort and it showed, everyone deserves all the accolades they received,” parade emcee Tony Andrews said.
Lakeshore Pediatric Dentistry won the parade with a Disney Princess-themed float.
As the parade came to a close, those lining the streets of the route came to the parish center grounds to enjoy what the festival had to offer.
“This event is all encompassing; the parade kicks off Applefest. This is a great tradition, going on 46 years now,” Andrews said.
PARISH FUNDRAISING
Rev. Scott Seymour, pastor in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, was named the parade grand marshal.
“It is an honor to be chosen as their grand marshal,” Seymour said.
Seymour was a pastor at St. Alexander’s Church in Morrisonville, St. Augustine’s Church in Peru and St. James Church in Cadyville, but is now assigned to St. André Bessette Parish in Malone.
“Peru is such a great community, with loving and supportive people. I am proud to have been their pastor,” he added.
When asked what his favorite part of Applefest is, Seymour promptly responded “the people, just seeing everybody having a good time,”
The festival is the parish center’s main fundraiser; the money raised will go toward events, programs and services held at the center, as well as repairs and maintenance.
“This event is very important as far as income to keep the parish center up and running,” Ryan said.
“We offer many resources (including) the soup kitchen. Voting takes place here and we have senior arts and craft classes. Some of the money made here will go toward the maintenance of the parish center.”
Not only does it serve as a community fundraiser, but serves as a tradition intended for the community to come together.
“It brings people together, you get to see long lost friends that you haven’t seen in years,” Stebbins said.
“There is a sense of joy in the air and we need that.”