By By BEN RAYMOND LODE / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Festival organizers say there was an overall good turnout for the 31st Apple Festival, despite the somewhat unstable weather.
Typical festival highlights, such as the Apple Festival parade on Saturday and several contests, were well attended, said Chuck Craig, Apple Festival board of directors president.
Craig also said people seemed pleased with the festival's evening music entertainment, which took place in the Main Tent.
Organizers were excited about the festival entertainment, and a packed Main Tent tent on Saturday night is a good sign they brought in the right music.
Although rain hit the Apple Festival for the first time in three years, which invariably did keep some people away, Craig said many people braved the rainy and sometimes gusty conditions.
Craig, in his first ever year as board of directors president, would like to thank the 150 to 200 volunteers who put in a lot of their own time before and during the festival.
Craig would also like to thank all festival sponsors, who help make the Apple Festival into the fun and affordable weekend it is.
He also thanks the community who support the festival each year by taking part in its activities.
Although this year's festival wasn't over until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Craig said next year's festival is already in the planning.
Typically the board of directors gather and brainstorm after the festival is over, but Craig said some suggestions have already come forward as to what may be done differently at next year's festival.