Here are Some Tips from the Green Team to Make Planning your Day at Warwick Applefest as Easy as Pie!

You’ve been hearing about Warwick Applefest for years,  wondering what attracts over 35,000 people to this annual event.  And now you’ve decided that this is the year you’re going to experience it for yourself!  On Sunday, October 1 you are coming to Warwick, NY to attend the festival that has been voted Best Family Event of the Year for 3 years running by Times Herald-Record readers.  It has also been chosen as one of the top ten festivals by the American Bus Association in their “Top 100 Events in North America.”  But you realize you could use a little advice to make the most of the day.  So, here are some tips from the Green Team to getting the most out of Warwick Applefest 2017!

Do Your Homework…

A great way to start your Warwick Applefest experience is with the official website, www.warwickapplefest.com.  Here you’ll find a festival map and listings for over 200 Warwick Applefest vendors and 50 non-profit organizations and where they’ll be located.  Not to mention the dozens of food vendors!  And the live music!  There is a lot to see, and do, and eat!  A little planning will go a long way!    

Get There Early!

Green Team agents Toni Kreusch and Jennifer DiCostanzo stress the importance of getting there early!  The festivities begin at 10 a.m., but you’ll want to get a parking space before then.  As the event expands throughout Warwick’s entire downtown, it might be helpful to have a GPS address to guide you to the optimal parking location.  There are two parking locations within walking distance of the action. One at Park Avenue Elementary School, and the other at Veteran’s Memorial Park.   If those are full, you can park at Warwick Valley Middle School or Warwick Valley High School and ride the free shuttle buses that run all day.  There is a $5 to $10 parking fee, with proceeds going to charity.  Toni has one more important reason for getting there early; you get to avoid the long line for the crab cakes on Railroad Avenue!

Don’t Try To Do It All!

Agents Geoffrey Green and Nancy Sardo both had this advice.  Do not try to do it all!  There is so much to do, it’s easy to overdo.  Even though the thought of visiting an orchard for some Warwick apple picking or winery may seem like a good idea, it’s simply too much to do in one day.  Rather than apple picking, the orchards will be selling fresh-picked apples, ciders, and pies at the festival.  Save your energy and spend the day checking out the crafters, the many musical acts performing throughout the day on several stages, and visiting the food vendors.  And, as a special treat for all you garage sale lovers, you’ll be passing one after another as you pass the homes on your walks to and from the different areas of Warwick Applefest!  You’ll need the full day to explore everything Warwick Applefest 2017 has to offer!

Like to Do It All Anyway?  Come for the Weekend!

There’s lots to do on Warwick Applefest Weekend!  Check out the great local orchards for Warwick apple picking, or take your pick from the wineries and distilleries in the area, many with tastings, food and music!  The Carnival at Applefest will be open from 3:30 to 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday (with a wristband fee for unlimited rides each night; free admission at Applefest). Is antiquing your thing?  Warwick has antique and consignment shops galore!  You can explore the unique shops, the restaurants, and even take in a double feature at the Warwick Drive-In Theatre!

There are beautiful Bed & Breakfasts located throughout Warwick NY, as well as hotels and motels in nearby Goshen and Middletown.  The Warwick Applefest website has links for finding lodging.

Family Fare

There is lots for kids to do at Warwick Applefest!  Geoff, the proud father of two young sons, recommends checking out the kid-friendly vendors in Stanley-Deming Park. You’ll find activities for kids including musical entertainment, face painting, and pony rides.  Don’t forget the Carnival rides, too!  And your kids can even participate in an apple pie eating contest!  Kids 12 and under can take part for a $1 donation (goes to the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry), and Ages 13 and up (adult level) can participate for a $5 donation!  If baking is more your child’s style, kids 7-16 can enter the Apple Pie Baking Contest. Just bring the registration form available on the website to the booth along with the pie!   After judging, slices will be sold to also benefit the Food Pantry.

What to Bring – and What Not to Bring – With You!

The whole family is welcome at Warwick Applefest, except for the furry four-legged members.  No dogs allowed, but there are vendors that sell yummy dog treats you can bring home to them!  

While some vendors do take credit cards, food vendors take only cash, so make sure you come prepared!  There are ATMs located in various establishments in the Village.

Jacque Kraszewski recommends that you pack for the day like you’re going on a hike!  Bring a backpack with water, snacks and wipes.

Because of the crowds, Nancy recommends leaving baby carriages at home, if at all possible.  She also advises bringing insect repellent and being careful to protect yourself from bees (yes, it’s that time of year).  If you do have a problem with bee allergies, it might be a good idea to make sure you pack whatever medications you need.

With all the different crafts, pies, fruits, and much, much more for sale, you might want to bring along some tote bags to carry your day’s haul!  

And Our Most Important Tip?

Have a great time and come back throughout the year to experience all that Warwick has to offer!

Get To Know Warwick

It’s just 55 miles from New York City, but Warwick, New York might just as well be a world away. Scenic country roads wind through rich farmland, mountains, valleys, around lakes, wetlands and into the different villages and hamlets that make up this unique township.

Known not only for its natural beauty, Warwick is a town that prides itself on its sense of community, its schools, its love and support of the arts, its thriving main street with unique shops and restaurants, and the weaving of its rural character into the fabric of daily life. Farmers markets and restaurants feature locally grown produce. Pick-your-own apple orchards abound, as do local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The natural terrain lends itself to a variety of activities; hiking, camping, skiing and snowboarding, boating, swimming, golfing and more.

Learn More About Warwick