2022 Apple Fest once again going virtual

The 2022 version of the Ruthven Apple Festival will once again be a virtual event.

Apple Fest officials made the call last week and issued a statement to the media on Monday, May 16.

“Although many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, Windsor-Essex County continues to experience safety and health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the statement.

“ As a result, and after much consideration, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the in-person version of the Ruthven Apple Festival, slated for September 24 and 25, 2022.”

“The Steering Committee, in partnership with Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, feels that it would be very difficult, given the large crowds that attend the event, to put the necessary precautions and safety measures in place to keep vendors, volunteers, and all festival-goers safe,” the statement continued.

Community Living Essex County, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, and the Ruthven Apple Festival Steering Committee have announced that plans are underway to continue with another virtual event this fall that will include many of the familiar and popular elements of the festival, such as entertainment and a virtual Vendors Market.

As well, the festival will be offering their very popular ‘Apple Fest in a Basket’ fundraiser again this fall which has sold out the past two years.

“We hope to be back, bigger and better than ever in 2023, and look forward to another very successful virtual Ruthven Apple Festival fundraiser this fall”, states Karen Bolger, Executive Director, Community Living Essex County.