Hilton Apple Fest 2023

The Hilton Apple Fest - a family fall favorite by Maggie

Fitzgibbon

on behalf of the Hilton Apple Fest

Since 1981, the Hilton Apple Fest celebrates the fall season with a two-day long apple extravaganza. This year’s Hilton Apple Fest will take place on Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on the grounds of the Hilton Community Center in the village of Hilton.

The weekend is packed full of events including an apple pie contest, Corey’s Apple Pond, a fall porch/yard/entryway decorating contest, a farmers’ market and apple growers’ area, the Hilton Apple Fest Auto Show, a full schedule of entertainment, including a special area for children called the Kids’ Korner.

The ever-popular Corey’s Apple Pond makes a return to the Hilton Apple Fest. Kids can fish out an apple to keep and also win a prize. The Kids’ Korner features a full slate of children’s entertainment, a petting zoo and kids’ activities.

Calling all bakers, pastry chefs and culinary wizards! Do you have a family favorite apple pie recipe? Dust off your rolling pin and enter your apple pie in the Apple Pie Contest. Pies need to be delivered to the Ingham Room of the Hilton Community Center between 8 and 9 a.m. on September 30. Judging begins at 9:30 a.m. Pies will be judged on appearance, taste and texture. There are two divisions, Youth (up to and including 16-year-olds) and Adult. Pre-registration is preferred. The entry form can be found at www.hiltonapplefest.org.

Area collectors can be found in the Hilton Community Center gymnasium. Check out their goods like toys, sports memorabilia, action figures, comics and more.

Stop out to the Apple Fest Auto Show and check out area car buffs’ prized set of wheels. This year’s auto show celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Corvette. The Auto Show will be held on Saturday, September 30 at the Village Elementary School located at 100 School Lane. The gates open at 8 a.m. and the awards ceremony will be held at 4 p.m.

Make a stop at the Farmers’ Market and peruse local growers’ selection of fruits, vegetables, organic food, crafts and local specialties. Area apple farmers R&K Bakery (Zarpentine Farms R&K), and Partyka Farms will be set up in front of the Hilton Community Center and will sell their farm fresh apples, cider and pastries.

You can’t forget your Hilton Apple Fest merchandise. T-shirts, hoodies, ceramic mugs and much more will be for sale at the Merch Tent.

Nineteen Hilton-area community organizations will sell various food items at the Hilton Apple Fest. These non-profit food vendors consider their food booths as their main fundraising opportunity for the year. The Apple Fest draws tens of thousands of festival goers which translates into hungry mouths to feed.

The Hilton Lions Club will sell Polish sausage with sauerkraut, candy apples, and hot and cold cider. Hilton Lions Club member Joe Lee explained how this group’s food booth at the Apple Fest is their biggest fundraiser.

Four different stages will showcase local and regional entertainment including a stage at the Kids’ Korner featuring performers just for the small set. On Saturday, September 30, the Hilton HS Marching Band kicks off the Apple Fest at 10 a.m. The well-known party band Begging Angels will perform on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. on the Main Stage. Which Low is set to perform on Sunday, October 1 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on the Main Stage. Check out this special section for more Apple Fest entertainment information.

Are you looking for a new piece of home décor or a piece of jewelry? This year’s Apple Fest will include over 100 crafters each offering their specialty including clothing, painting, floral design, glass, jewelry, pottery, photography, special media textiles and wood. Browse the work of these artisans who travel from across the United States to set up shop at the Apple Fest.

“Any funds we raise are invested back into our community. The Lions Club supports the Hilton Parma Emergency Food Shelf by staffing a stuff-a-bus at Tops Markets, we put on Red Cross Blood drives, do road clean ups, collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids and send them to developing countries. The Lions Club also supports Camp Abilities, a summer camp for children with visual impairments that is held at SUNY Brockport,” Lee said. “We have even paid for eye screenings and eyeglasses for children in need.”

Plenty of free parking is available at Hilton High School located on 400 East Avenue. Shuttle buses run every 10 to15 minutes to and from Hilton High School and festival grounds. Tour buses are welcome. Handicapped parking is also available at Hilton High School. The shuttle buses will run 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

More information about the Hilton Apple Fest is available in this special section or at hiltonapplefest.org or via Hilton Apple Fest’s Facebook page. Provided photos

Celebrating 41 Years ~ 2023

Over 100 Arts & Crafts Vendors

Farmers Market, Corey’s Apple Pond, Craft Raffle, Visa Gift Card Raffle, Commemorative Apple Fest Merch, Community Row, Village Historian, Flu Shots, Apple Pie Baking Contest, Collectors Sale

Apple Growers

Apples, Baked Goods and Cider

Live Entertainment for the Whole Family

Sponsored by Monroe County Happy Pirates, Farmer Tom, Kaizen Ridge Farm, Hilton HS Marching Band, Wood Carving Demonstration, Midnight Storm, Shari Ratka, and much more!

Saturday, September 30 10a.m. to 5p.m. Sunday, October 1 10a.m. to 4:30p.m.

PARKING INFORMATION:

Festival parking is available at Hilton High School, 400 East Avenue. Free shuttle service to the Apple Fest Grounds is available 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Accessible parking and shuttle are also available at the high school, free of charge. If walking, the Apple Fest Grounds are located at 59 Henry St. There is ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING OR DROP-OFF at the Apple Fest grounds, or adjacent village streets. Violators will be towed at vehicle owner’s expense.

AuTO ShOw

At Village Elementary School

The 2023 Apple Fest Auto Show will take place Saturday, September 30th at the Village Elementary School, and will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Corvette! Gates open at 8am, awards at 4pm. Pre-register online at HiltonAppleFestAutoShow.org or by mail for $15 by 9/22.

Day-of-show registration is $20. (CASH ONLY).

PLEASE: NO ANIMALS, SKATES OR BIKES

For complete details log on to HiltonAppleFest.org

www.Facebook.com/HiltonAppleFest @hilton_apple_fest

2023 Apple Fest

Sat., Sept. 30 • 10am-5:00pm

MAIN STAGE

Sponsored by Monroe County

2:00-5:00PMBegging Angels

BLACKTOP

10:00AM-11:00AMHilton HS Marching Band

11:30AM-12:30PMRochester Academy of Irish Dance

12:30AM-1:30PMSawdogs Wood Carving Demo

GAZEBO STAGE

10:00AM-12:30PMThe FOG

1:30PM-4:30PMMidnight Storm

KIDS’ KORNER STAGE

11:00AM-1:00PMFarmer Tom

3:00-4:30PMHappy Pirates

KIDS’ KORNER AREA

Petting Zoo by Kaizen Ridge Farms

SATURDAY SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Apple Pie Baking Contest

Visa Gift Card Raffle • Craft Raffle

Official Apple Fest Merch Tent

Corey’s Apple Pond • Operation Safe Child ID’s Village Historian

Sun., Oct. 1 • 10am-4:30pm

MAIN STAGE

Sponsored by Monroe County

10:00AM-4:30PMWhich Low

BLACKTOP

11:30AM-12:30PMUpstate Finest Cheerleaders

2:00PM-2:30PMElizabeth L. Belly Dancer

GAZEBO STAGE

10:00-12:30AMShari Ratka

1:30-4:30PM Figure 8 Band

KIDS’ KORNER STAGE

11:00AM-1:00PMFarmer Tom

3:00-4:30PMHappy Pirates

KIDS’ KORNER AREA

Petting Zoo by Kaizen Ridge Farms

SUNDAY ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Visa Gift Card Raffle • Craft Raffle

Official Apple Fest Merch Tent

Corey’s Apple Pond • Operation Safe Child ID’s Village Historian

Craft Raffle winners drawn at 3pm Sunday.

Visa Gift Card Raffle drawn on Dec. 4, 2023.

SPECIAL EVENTS

AT THE APPLE FEST GROUNDS Win Big At The Craft Raffle Booth

You could win a $500 Visa Gift Card! Sweepstakes drawing to be held on Dec. 4, 2023, with proceeds helping fund a scholarship for a 2024 Hilton High School graduate. While at the Craft Raffle booth, you can also enter to win one of the many wonderful items donated by festival artisans, with proceeds benefitting the Hilton Community Food Shelf.

Official Apple Fest Merch

Stop by the Merch Tent for Hilton Apple Fest T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, onesies, hand-made ceramic coffee mugs and more!

Corey’s Apple Pond

Everyone is a winner at the Apple Pond! Bring all the little ones to Corey’s Apple Pond to fish out an apple to keep - and win a prize! Afterwards, head over to Kids’ Korner for their favorite entertainers, furry animals and activities for all ages.

Sponsored by Wegmans and Partyka Farms.

Farmers Market

Stock up with a plentiful supply of goodies from pumpkins and gourds, to jams, jellies, flowers and roasted nutssee map for locations.

Apple Growers

Farm fresh apples, cider and pastries from R&K Bakery (Zarpentine Farms R&K), and Partyka Farms are sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your craving for these fall favorites! Conveniently located near the shuttle pickup in front of the Community Center - see map for locations..

Auto Show

The 2023 Apple Fest Auto Show takes place Saturday, September 30 at the Village Elementary School, and will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Corvette! Gates open at 8am; awards at 4pm. Pre-register online at HiltonAppleFestAutoShow.org or by mail for $15 by 9/22.

Day-of-show registration is $20. (CASH ONLY).

INSIDE THE COMMUNITY CENTER Collector’s

Sale

Browse a wide selection of sports cards, memorabilia, novelties, toys, die-cast models, action figures, comics and much more - all located in the Community Center Gymnasium.

Apple Pie Baking Contest

Stop by the Ingham Room to see the Apple Pie Baking Constest as it’s judged bright and early Saturday morning. The contest features Youth and Adult divisions. Pre-registration preferred, via hiltonapplefest.org.

Village Historian

Learn about the Apple Fest and so much more! The Historian’s Office will be open to share their vast knowledge, along with an impressive display, of Village of Hilton and Town of Parma history and lore.

Flu Shots

Flu Shots by Wegmans Pharmacy will be available inside the Senior Lounge on Saturday..

PARKING INFORMATION:

Free festival parking is available at Hilton High School, 400 East Ave. Free shuttle service to the Apple Fest is available from 9:30am to 5:30pm on Saturday and 9:30am to 5pm on Sunday. Free Accessible Parking and Shuttle are also available at the High School.

If walking, the Apple Fest Grounds are located at 59 Henry St. There is ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING OR DROP-OFF at the Apple Fest grounds, or adjacent village streets. Violators will be towed at vehicle owner’s expense.

- PLEASE: NO ANIMALS, SKATES OR BIKES -

Schedule Of Events & Entertainment Celebrating 41Years

2023 Hilton Apple Fest Apple Pie

Contest

We are looking for the Best Homemade Apple Pie in New York State! We will be judging the pies on Saturday, September 30th, 2023, at the Apple Fest site, 59 Henry Street, Hilton, NY. Please read the rules and complete the application if you would like to participate. In the Adult Division, the first place winner will receive $75 and the second place winner will receive $50. The Youth Division is for ages 16 and under. The first place prize for youth will be $50, and the second place prize will be $25.

tHe RUles

1. This contest is open to all New York State residents except Apple Fest Board Members and residents of their household.

2.Only one pie per contestant will be accepted.

3. The completed application, with a non-refundable entry fee of $3.00, must be mailed to Hilton Apple Fest Apple Pie Contest, P.O. Box 1, Hilton, NY 14468 by Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

4. Your homemade pie will need to be delivered to the Ingham Room of the Hilton Community Center, 59 Henry Street, between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on Saturday, September 30, 2023. All cars need to be removed from Henry Street by 9:00 AM or will be towed at owner’s expense.

5. Each participant will submit one freshly baked homemade apple pie in an 8-inch (approximately) non-returnable pie pan. The pie becomes the property of the Hilton Apple Fest.

6. Each entry will be recorded and a number assigned to the contestant. The number will be placed on the bottom of the pan. No other identifying marks may be made on the pie or the pan. Only the Apple Pie Contest Committee will know the identity of the baker.

7. All pies must be made of New York State grown apples and the name of the apples needs to be recorded at the time the pie is submitted.

8. The pies will be judged according to 1) appearance, 2) taste, and 3) texture.

9. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded on the Main Stage at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023 If you have any questions, please call 392-7773 and leave a message for the Apple Pie Contest.

2023 Hilton Apple Fest Applepie ContestentRY FoRM

Mail to: Hilton Apple Fest Apple Pie Contest, P.O. Box 1, Hilton, NY 14468.

Please make checks payable to Hilton Apple Fest.

I have enclosed $3.00 to enter the Hilton Apple Fest Apple Pie Contest. I have read the above rules and will comply. My pie will be delivered to the Apple Fest Site (Ingham Room at the Community Center) on Saturday, September 30th between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Name_______________________________________________Date ____________________

Address____________________________________________Phone ___________________

Put an X here if this pie is for the Youth Division (age 16 & under)

2023 Hilton Apple Fest Scholarship recipients, (l-r) with Hilton Apple Fest Vice-Chair at Hilton High School’s annual Bravo Night ceremony this past June. Provided photo

Hilton Apple Fest 2023 Scholarship Winners

by Maggie Fitzgibbon on behalf of the Hilton Apple Fest

mittee raises funds to award at least two of Hilton’s High School graduates with a scholarship in recognition of their volunteering service throughout the Hilton community. The requirements are the student is a resident of the Hilton Central School District, be a graduating senior, and have volunteered in the community.

and Gabrielle Hix.

Brockport. Her goal is to follow in her mother’s steps and become a special education teacher. Victoria discovered her passion for teaching by volunteering in her mother’s classroom during a summer extended school year program. In her essay she noted how she was inspired by the determination and perseverance these children showed. Her volunteer work extends across the Hilton community. She is a Girl Scout and has earned the Gold Award. She has volunteered during the Hilton Cares’ clothing drives and helped to repair the home of a local veteran. As an equestrian she’s volunteered her time providing pony rides and lessons to children.

Gabrielle Hix is a freshman at Sienna College where she is enrolled in the Siena/Albany Medical College Science and Humanities Program. In this dual program, students earn

a B.A. degree from Siena after four years and an M.D. degree from Albany Medical College upon completion of the medical curriculum. Gabrielle’s extensive volunteering at Seneca Ridge Dialysis Clinic is one of the reasons she was selected as a Hilton Apple Fest 2023 Scholarship winner. In her essay, she explained how many of the patients at this clinic are disadvantaged, not only financially but also in their ability to communicate. Her volunteer duties included helping these patients communicate as well as reassuring

Chair, noted how deserving two students are of these scholarships.

“We are so happy to be able to honor the hard work and dedication of such deserving graduates of Hilton High School as they embark on the next leg of their academic journeys and prepare to become the future leaders of our community, wherever their studies take them,” Ulakovic said. “As is the case with this year’s scholarship recipients, it’s always a privilege to read about the hopes, visions and plans our young scholars have for a better, brighter community both here in Hilton, and throughout the world.” Festival goers can support next year’s scholarship by entering the Apple Fest’s $500 Visa Gift Card sweepstakes located at the Craft Raffle tent. The drawing will be held on December 5. The proceeds from this drawing help to fund scholarships for high achieving Hilton High School students.

A dog’s perspective

What does a dog think about the Apple Fest?

“Oh boy, we’re going for a walk. Oh no, they are taking me to the Apple Fest with all those feet around me. Well, we’re finally here and it sure smells good. I think I’ll try to snag that little boy’s hot dog. Oh wait, there is another dog eyeing it. He growled back at me. Should I give in or put up a fight? They are eating, when is it my turn? I sure could use a drink of water. I’m hot with this coat on. Great! I see a

Hilton Apple feSt

Publisher Keith A. Ryan

Editor Emerita

Evelyn Dow

Office Management Consultant

Marilyn Brown

Digital Marketing Director

Gary Sajdak

Circulation & distribution

Don Griffin, Linda Tefft

Advertising representatives

Lori Antonelli, Rachael Blair, Debbie Day, Tami Raco, Mary Lou Rockow, Ellen Stevens

Ad production manager, Assistant manager

Karen Fien, Joanne Michielsen

Writers & contributors

Maggie Fitzgibbon, Kristina Gabalski, Warren Kozireski, Rick Nicholson, Joe Reinschmidt, Tami Raco, T.R. Hendrick.

Production

Emily Antinore, Vicki Caspersson, Suzette Coleman, Joanne Michielsen, Linda Michielsen, Donna Stultz.

grassy area where I can take care of business. Why is that little girl looking at me and crying? Not for nothing but the music hurts my sensitive ears. I think we’re heading on home now so I can take a nap because I’m stressed out and exhausted. If they had left me home in the first place I could have had my nap already and we could have some play time. Maybe next year I won’t have to go.” Provided information

Jeff Hand presented Sarah Ventura with a $100 award and a sweatshirt embroidered with her winning logo on behalf of the Hilton Apple Fest board of directors.

2023 Hilton Apple Fest logo chosen

A logo design submitted by Sarah Ventura was chosen as the winner of the 2023 Hilton Apple Fest Logo Contest, which seeks out a unique new logo to commemorate the fall festival and harvest each year.

A 17-year career in graphic design and a love for the Hilton Apple Fest propelled Ventura to enter this year’s logo contest. It’s a tradition she’s excited to become a part of.

“I have always wanted to be a part of the Apple Fest celebration,” Ventura shares. “I was elated to find out that the logo I designed was selected for this year’s festival – it truly is an honor to have the winning design!”

Growing up in Hilton, Ventura and her husband are now raising their family (with three little ones) in the same community that’s always meant so much to her. She shares that the Apple Fest has always been one of her favorite fall traditions.

“The way the whole town comes together with wonderful food, crafts and music, you can truly feel the whole heart in our community,” she illustrates. “You have no idea how much this means to me!”

This year will be especially exciting for Ventura, with the logo she designed adorning a variety of Apple Fest merchandise, from hand spun ceramic coffee mugs, to t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies.

As a token of appreciation, Jeff Hand presented Ventura with a $100 award and a sweatshirt embroidered with the winning logo on behalf of the Hilton Apple Fest board of directors.

The 41st Hilton Apple Fest will take place Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday, October 1 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Discover more festival tidbits at www.hiltonapplefest.org.

Provided information and photo

Who started the Hilton Apple Fest?

The Hilton Apple Fest was founded in 1981 by Hilton businessmen Patrick Marlow and Douglas Marple. Homer Marple of Marple Furniture financed the festival in its first year when it was organized by Coordinator Carol Gursslin with just a handful of volunteers. It was held at Canning Street Square. And yes, there really was a pie the first year. There were approximately 75 craft booths and five food booths.

The purpose of the festival was to offer free family entertainment while celebrating the apple harvest season, the Hilton/Parma community, and the local apple growers. Artists were given a showplace for their handcrafted goods, and nonprofit groups of the Hilton Central School District raised funds by selling food.

In 1982, Carol Gursslin was once again the Coordinator, but there were about 200 volunteers, and it was held at the Hilton Community Center. Many local businesses provided finances for the first five or six years. Organizers brought world attention

to the Hilton area that year when they attempted to bake the World’s Largest Apple Pie. Guinness World Records Book publishers gave the recognition to English townspeople who, one month earlier, had baked an apple pie in a larger rectangular pan. In an effort to show the British their sense of humor, the next year, festival planners baked the World’s Smallest Apple Pie in a bottle cap.

The Apple Fest currently has approximately 100 craft booths and 19 food booths. Attendees may ride the shuttle bus to the Community Center. One of the reasons for its success is the help it receives from its approximately 200 volunteers. The Hilton Apple Fest donates an average of $5,000 per year. Some of the recipients have been Ambulance Corps, Library, Village parks, Food Shelf, Camp Good Days and Special Times, Historical Society, Hilton Senior Bash, Braddock Bay Raptor Research, and other Community Center projects. Provided information

HOuRS: HilTON WineryWed., Thurs., Fri. 4:30-9pm, Sat. 11am-9pm, Sun. 11am-6pm

HilTON Cider Mill & BakeryFri., Sat., Sun. 9am-7pm

WEBSTER Cider Mill585-671-1955 Mon.-Sun. 9am-7pm

WEBSTER Wine Tasting RoomWed.-Sun. 11am-8pm

At the Apple Fest in 1982, there was an attempt to bake the World’s Largest Apple Pie. This pie was 18’