Warwick Applefest Canceled for Second Year – The Warwick Valley Dispatch

Warwick Applefest organizers have announced that this year’s annual festival, scheduled for October 2021 in Warwick, NY has again been canceled.

This difficult decision was made based on government restrictions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus currently in effect for large events, and to protect the health of the event’s many sponsors, craft and food vendors, volunteers, suppliers and visitors.

Ultimately, the final decision regarding holding the large festival this fall is made by New York State and Orange County government officials, in conjunction with Town and Village of Warwick officials.

Fair and festival regulations most recently announced by New York State include some COVID safety precautions and requirements that would not be possible at this event, including “limiting the event to maintain social distancing so attendees have to try to stay six feet apart if they are not members of the same party — unless they are all vaccinated.”

Applefest is an outdoor venue, held in the streets and parks of the Village of Warwick. Unlike the venues for some other large festivals held in New York State, there are no gates in the Village to control the number of visitors, and there is no way to require or check for masks on participants or the thousands of attendees.

“We’re disappointed that we are unable to host our festival again this year,” said Applefest Coordinator Crissy Hohmann. “But we believe it’s the right decision — for the safety of all involved with the event, and for our festival visitors.”

The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Warwick Valley Community Center. Festival proceeds benefit the Warwick Valley Chamber and some 50 local non-profit organizations, for whom this event is their biggest annual fundraiser.

The organizers are looking forward to the return of Applefest in 2022. To learn more about Warwick Applefest, go to: http://www.warwickapplefest.com/.