After missing out last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parishioners of First Congregational Church are set to host its annual Apple Festival on Sept. 24-26. The annual festival offers families a fun-filled weekend of entertainment, including live music, dance routines, martial arts demonstrations, amusement rides, craft vendors and food.
This year’s edition will kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 with amusement rides, food, and music played by Dan Chudoba, better known throughout town as “DJ Dan on the Beach.” On Saturday and Sunday, visitors will also be able to enjoy live music from local bands and musicians, kids’ crafts, and other family friendly activities. Chudoba will also be the festival’s master of ceremonies.
“The church is thrilled to be able to host the 2021 Apple Festival after having to cancel last year due to the pandemic” said the Rev. Carl Howard, Senior Minister. “The Apple Festival is the Church’s largest fundraiser each year, with a large portion of the proceeds being donated by the Church to other organizations within the city” Howard continued.
Christopher Vargo, Jr., a member of the Apple Festival Committee and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the church said this year’s funds will go to a very important capital project.
“In addition to donating much needed money to our community partners, this year we are making a concerted effort to raise money to help restore our historic and iconic steeple. The steeple used to act as a waypoint for sailors, and now it is a historic symbol of the city,” he said. “We are also raising funds to renovate our education building, which used to house the West Haven Green Nursery School.” The nursery school closed its doors several years ago, and now the Church is looking to renovate the space for potential community use in the future.”
Howard is hoping the festival will allow him to expand the church’s outreach.
“Since stepping in as the permanent spiritual leader of our church, I have made it a priority to establish an outreach initiative. By connecting with our neighbors, my hope is for the church to inspire positive change and growth within our community. The annual Apple Festival is our largest event of the year and I look forward to meeting and talking with so many wonderful people over the weekend,” he said.
The 2021 Apple Festival will run Friday, Sept, 24, from 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26 from noon to 6 p.m. Anyone looking to volunteer, purchase a vendor or crafter spot, or make a monetary donation may send an email to applefestivalvendors@gmail.com.