By Lana Torre
Are you searching for fun activities for your family this fall? My husband Jamie, is always on a mission to find interesting, outdoor fairs and fun festivals to attend on beautiful autumn weekends. We enjoy day tripping around the Finger Lakes and scenic southern tier. He loves to stop at farm stands to purchase organic vegetables. Last weekend we bought so many tomatoes that it took me 3 days of cooking ‘crazy sauce’ [ a homemade marinara] and those containers of sauce almost filled the freezer. One zucchini we bought was so large that I cooked it three different ways on three different days. And for 10 cents each, green peppers sliced and bagged with onions will be on hand all winter for a sausage and pepper dinner. Even on the coldest of winter days, Jamie will be bonding with his outdoor grill.
I
In late September you can attend the Naples Grape fest. This is a must on your must do list! We never miss it. Located on rt 21 south, just past the end of Canandaigua Lake. This fest offers up an homage to the grape and everything purple. There are craft and art vendors, wine tastings and [not to be missed] the grape pie contest. There are fair games and plenty to do with the kidlets too. Wear your purple pride and be sure to bring home a grape pie [we love the pie with the crumb topping].
I
Also, in late September is the Appleumpkin Fest. This fest is in the quaint community of Wyoming, known for it’s historic Gaslight Village. Events are a baking contest, music and entertainment including country clog dancers and an Irish band.
I
The Garlic Fest in Cuba is a fest for the foodies. A new king and queen of garlic will be crowned and given staffs adorned with large garlic bulb finials. Garlic braiding demos and a garlic cook off at the ‘stinking rose’ food tent are some of the highlights.
I
My sister never misses the Hilton Apple Fest. Here you can enter an apple pie in the great apple pie baking contest. There will also be an auto show and music by the 60’s group, the Invictas.
I
For dates and times, check out these websites visitRochester.com, Rochesterkidsoutandabout.com, or localwineevents.com.
I
Get out of the house and hop in the family truckster and enjoy a fall festival. While riding around, stop at farm stands and bring home local produce. Nothing is more beautiful then a large wooden bowl on the table brimming with fresh, sweet apples. And remember to bring home a grape pie from Naples, [the pie with a crumb top].