Under beautiful, cool skies, the
Amityville Rotary Club held its annual Applefest,
one of the most successful in years, according
to Amityville Rotary Club President Jeff Gootkin.
"We had a continuous, and steady flow of people from the time
we opened at 10 a.m.," said Gootkin. "Our face painting and pumpkin painting,
which are new additions, were very successful again this year and will be expanding
and adding new things every year."
Gootkin said that for the first year, they sold everything—apples, pies and donuts—
helping to make the vent a financial success as well. Monies raised from the
Applefest, the largest community fundraiser for the club, go toward supporting the St.
Martin Food Pantry, programs for the Amityville Memorial High School and Middle
School and the club's student exchange program.
Part of the success of this year's event was due to the fact that the cost of
gasoline was high, prompting people to stay local, attending harvest fairs in their
own communities instead of going to the East End or Upstate New York.
The event had approximately 30 vendors and a new food vendor who
offered a variety of items to the hungry crowd. The committee was
comprised of Rotarians Virginia Belling, Joanne Goodman, Stu Hilbert,
Sonji Crawford Clark, Sue Martinson, Linda Thompson and
Linda Batz. Chairman was Vincent Ricciuti.
"We really appreciate the support of everyone in
Amityville and neighborhing communities who
help support this event every year and enable
us to continue our important programs,"
said Gootkin.
Photos by Cliff de Bear