Apple Fest faces new responsibilities and challenges in their 27th year By Samuel J. Fanburg
Ithaca--Almost as recognizable as the first leaf falling or the first cold snap that hits the South Hill this autumn is the Apple Festival that takes place in the Ithaca Commons every year. Filled with apple products, apple drinks, an Iron Chef Competition, a Dunk Tank, and an Apple Pie Contest, the festival has grown from a way to do bring business to the downtown area to a community event that brings people from all walks of life together. This year however, with the slumping economy and the Swine Flu epidemic hitting Western New York, there are added pressures and responsibilities for this year’s Apple Fest.
“I’d be lying”, stated Gary Ferguson, Program Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, “If I told you the business community was not relying on this years Apple Fest for a little boost in their overall sales. Apple Fest has always been a way to jumpstart business for Ithaca stores, and with the slumping economy, stores are looking towards us to help them out.”
Characteristic of the total New York area, the unemployment rate according to the New York State Department of Labor has reached new highs at 9.0%, Ithaca has experienced effects of the economic downturn with several stores including a restaurant closing in the last 6 months. “No wants to be that next store,” said Abdul Razak Sheikh, owner of House of Shalimar. “Over the last 6 months, I think we have all realized how real this economic crisis is. It really hits home when stores that you have seen around here for years start closing.”
The amount of new participants in the festival is ‘overwhelming’ according to Ferguson as 50% more restaurants and stores have requested merchant passes to be involved in this year’s event. This is not only a logistical nightmare on where to put all these vendors, but a health concern as there are 723 cases of the H1N1 (Swine) Flu in the Tompkins County area. As the disease is spread through human-to-human contact, a festival, which consists a large group of people eating food in a small area, could seem problematic.
“We are planning for the worst,” explained Vicki Taylor, Director of Marketing & Events. “In preparation of the event we have acquired hand sanitizer that will be placed at each booth, with masks. And of course we will have an education both that will discuss the realities of the disease with people. There are so many misconceptions.”
Even amid such organizational difficulties, the Ithaca community seems generally excited for what is to be Ithaca’s 27th Apple Fest, Ithaca College senior Zack Heyman exclaimed, “Of course I’m excited for this years Apple Fest, where else can I find kettle corn?” While Ithaca resident Kate Bush also explained, “I know about swine flu, but I still think I will go. It means a lot to be together as a community, and especially so during difficult economic times.”
Gary Ferguson had a similar outlook on the situation, as he seemed hopeful for a successful Apple Fest, “Since when has the Ithaca community not come together? I don’t anything will stop the community from enjoying this years Apple Fest. Not even rained has stopped them in the past."
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