southington’s Apple Harvest Festival Draws Over 100,000 to Connecticut Town
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A beloved New England tradition, the Apple Harvest Festival in Southington, Connecticut, opened this weekend, welcoming an estimated 100,000 visitors over two weekends of fall festivities. The 56th annual event, renowned as one of the largest and longest-running in the Northeast, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, crafts, and, of course, the region’s famous apple fritters.
A Weekend of Family Fun and Community Spirit
The festival unfolds on the Southington town green from Friday through Sunday, October 3-5 and October 10-12. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of attractions, including live music, artisan crafts, thrilling carnival rides, dazzling fireworks, and a spirited parade.
Planning your visit requires attention to parking arrangements. While free parking and a shuttle bus service are available at Southington High School, the shuttle does not operate on Fridays. Shuttles commence service a half hour before the festival’s opening and continue for another half hour after closing.
During the festival, on-street parking in downtown Southington will be prohibited. Though,local civic organizations will provide paid parking options in private lots surrounding the festival grounds. Dedicated accessibility parking is available in the Town Hall visitor’s parking lot,accessible via Berlin Avenue across from TD bank.
A comprehensive list of streets with parking restrictions includes: Academy Lane, Academy Street, Berlin Avenue (Main Street to Highwood Avenue), Center Court, Center Place, Center Street, Chestnut Street, Columbus Avenue, Eden avenue, High street, Hobart Street, Liberty Street, Merrell Avenue, Mill Street (North Main Street to Water Street), North Liberty Street, North Main Street (Center Street to Mill street), Oak Street, Vermont Avenue, Vermont Terrace, West Center Street (Summer Street to Howard Avenue) and Woodruff Street (Berlin Avenue to Pleasant Street). Additional restrictions will be in effect along the parade route from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on parade day.
Entertainment Highlights: From Soul to Beatles Tribute Bands
The entertainment schedule is packed with talent. friday night kicked off with a performance by Connecticut soul singer Morgan Chambers following the opening ceremony. Saturday’s lineup features the unique sounds of one-man band Guitaro5000 and rising country-pop artist Erin Gibney,a Southington native. Festival-goers can also look forward to an apple fritter eating contest and a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.
sunday will host the YMCA Road Races in the morning,followed by an apple pie eating contest,the annual parade,and music from Small Town Gamblers.
Next weekend promises a diverse range of performances, including The bubble Truck, Valentin Martial Arts, showcases from Dance City & the Arts, The Shamrock school of Dance, and The LAB, alongside musical acts like Mixed Company, Charley T, and Studio Two, a Beatles tribute band.
Parade Details and Vendor Information
The mile-long parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday,stepping off from the intersection of Knowles Avenue and Summer Street and concluding on Eden Avenue. October 12 is designated as the rain date.
Visitors seeking unique gifts and culinary delights will find vendors set up in the municipal parking lot behind the main stage from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m.on October 11 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 12. The event, guaranteed rain or shine, will feature specialty foods, jewelry, and a variety of other gifts.
