(6/28) Mark your calendar for the 38th Annual Pippinfest, which is set for the last weekend in September, the 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., along Main Street in Fairfield. The organization and planning for Pippinfest, Fairfield's "Old Fashioned Street Festival," is well underway. Organization for the festival typically starts in February, but really kicks in during the month of June, when Committee members begin setting the schedule and organizing vendors.

Dating back to 1980, the Pippinfest festival holds its roots firmly in community togetherness. The festival was started as a way to promote local non-profits, which has been a tradition that has continued ever since. As a way to bring townspeople together, David Thomas, owner of the Fairfield Inn in 1980, invited local clubs and school groups to participate in a community-wide celebration of the apple harvest. As a small town with a strong sense of community, the citizens of Fairfield were eager to support the idea and an all-day street festival was planned.

Community and local business’ support contributes significantly to the success of the festival every year and Pippinfest allows local non-profits to fund raise for their causes. Local Boy Scout troops, high school groups, churches and many others are able to sell food, drinks and other goods in order to help raise money for their organization. The festival brings people into the community, fosters an environment of fun for everyone, and brings community members together.

At this time, in addition to numerous craft and food vendors, the Pippinfest Committee has nine bands scheduled for Sunday's event including, Donnie Leaman, the Bluegrass Chapel Band, Rich Fehle, Austin Poulson and many others. As usual, Pippinfest will be a two-day event. Day 1 is primarily a yard sale day but craft and food vendors will also be present. The second day of the festival features many craft vendors, craft demonstrations, food vendors, children’s activities and musical entertainment.

The Committee for the Pippinfest is currently in the midst of its organizational meetings for the 2018 festival. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Village Hall at 7 p.m. Beginning the second week in August, the Committee will meet weekly until the event. Those interested in becoming volunteers for the organization, planning and event itself are welcome to attend the monthly meetings. For more information visit www.pippinfest.com; www.facebook.com/pippinfest; or call the Fairfield Borough office at 717-642-5640.