(8/26) Huge crowds are expected once again as the 36th Annual Pippinfest gets underway. This year’s dates for the fun filled weekend are September 24 and 25 on Main Street in Fairfield. The festival began in 1980 and is organized by the Fairfield Borough Pippinfest Committee. Organization for the festival really kicked in back in June, when Committee members began
planning, setting the schedule and organizing vendors. Historically, the earliest apple tree brought from England and cultivated in the colonies was the Pippin apple tree, grown by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. In 1982, at the 200th Anniversary of the Fairfield Inn, a Pippin apple tree was planted behind the inn - the tree still stands today, and bears fruit every fall. Hence the naming
of the Pippinfest!
Featured on Saturday will be yard sales in and around Main Street, over 30 are anticipated. Also on Main Street will be a wide variety of craft and food vendors from all over the region. There will be "self-guided" walking tours with free brochures at the information booth in front of Fairfield Village Hall. Additionally, there will be a quilt show with demonstrations by
Stitch ‘N Peace from 10-4pm.
Sunday is the big day at Pippinfest with entertainment from Rich Fehle, Noble Black, Generation Gap, Five and ½ men, Austin Poulson, and the Gettysburg Buskers. A favorite, the Fairfield High School Show Choir and Jazz Band, will perform at the Fairfield Fire Hall. Waterfield will also perform on the lawn in front of Village Hall. Children’s games, pony rides, and
inflatable rides will be located on Steelman Street [on both Saturday and Sunday].
From 9 to 4 p.m. Sunday, the "Cruise-In Car Show and Swap Meet" will be located beside Fairfield Fire Department. Antique autos, hot rods, vintage race and muscle cars, street rods, motorcycles and trucks will be on display for all to admire! There is no entry fee for the Auto Show - although donations will be accepted.
Take in a bit of local culture and visit the beautiful display of Pippinfest Pottery; enjoy a root beer float watching a Mr. Lincoln re-enactor at Honest Abe's Root Beer Float stand (proceeds benefit the Fairfield food pantry), and don’t miss the apple dessert contest on Sunday. With over 100 craft and food vendors, no one will go home without having a treat! Linda Sites,
volunteer and member of the Pippinfest Committee said "this committee has worked hard to make this year's festival bigger and better than ever. We look forward to seeing everyone at the festival."
For over three decades, Pippinfest, which literally means "apple festival" is still going strong. The festival has grown and offered attendees a memorable weekend full of fun and entertainment for all ages. Volunteers from the local community work year round to bring this amazing event to people near and far. From school and musical groups, to local charities, Boy Scouts,
and church groups, Pippinfest has been a town-wide celebration of community, the harvest, and tradition. For activity, event times and locations, visit www.pippinfest.com or www.facebook.com/pippinfest.
After a fun Saturday at Pippinfest, join Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve for their Community Day celebration from 4:00-8:00 p.m. This event will feature a free family movie, activities, ribbon cutting for their new facility and an all you can eat (and drink responsibly) beef and beer dinner fundraiser. The activities are free and dinner tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at
the door and $10 for children 12 and under. Funds raised support environmental education at Strawberry Hill. For additional information and directions visit www.strawberryhill.org .
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