Inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of those who attended the annual Ruthven Apple Festival held at Colasanti’s this past weekend.
Celebrating 45 years, the annual fall classic supports Community Living Essex County (CLEC) and the agency’s efforts to purchase and maintain accessible vehicles. This year probably had the most vendors ever as there were an estimated 125 craft and food vendors, a farmers’ market, and live entertainment.
“I think we get a lot of regulars. It supports a community group that a lot of people know about,” said CLEC board president and LaSalle Councillor Sue Desjarlais.
Desjarlais noted that the apples for this year’s festival were supplied by Tiessens Apple Orchards of Leamington.
“Apple Fest has raised close to a million dollars and we use a lot of that money for accessible vehicles. It makes it easier for them to get to appointments,” said Desjarlais.
This year’s entry fee was by donation and she said that when that is the method of admission, people tend to be more generous.
On Saturday, Amherstburg’s Harbouring Illusions performed and on Sunday, despite the rain there were still dozens of classic cars to view. As part of the opening ceremonies on Saturday, local politicians took part in the annual apple peeling contest which this year was won by Lakeshore Deputy Mayor Kirk Walstedt.
Belle River’s Cathy Fitzpatrick has been coming to the Apple Fest for five years and selling some very interesting clothing for those who like to dress up their goose statues. Her Cathy’s Creations were a popular item this year.
“I inherited my goose. When I retired, this became my hobby. I have a love for sewing,” said Fitzpatrick.
The Apple Fest is not the only place she goes to sell her goose outfits.
“I like all the events I go to. I like the camaraderie and meeting people.”
Fitzpatrick was joined at her booth by Janine Stewart who had some jewelry for sale and as always was impressed by the folks at Community Living who host Apple Fest.
“What they do is amazing,” said Stewart a former employee with Community Living Essex County.
Victoria Butler is a talented artist from Tecumseh with an eye for detail when it comes to drawing famous sports legends such as Bobby Orr and Maurice “Rocket” Richard. She also does scratch art in which she takes a solid black board and slowly with a knife creates a remarkable masterpiece.
“I work from photographs. It is fine detail which I love to do,” said Butler, who was assisted all weekend by her husband John who is a big sports fan.
CLEC is a non-profit registered charitable organization that has been committed to assisting people of all ages who have intellectual disability and their families in Essex County since 1961. The agency operates several homes in Amherstburg.
Ruthven Apple Festival continues to be a fall tradition
By Fred Groves
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