By Andrew Mentock

Special to Leader Publications

On Thursday, a crisp and cool September afternoon marked the first day of the season that truly felt like fall.

The great weather was ideal for fairgoers to go to the opening day of the 45th Annual Four Flags Apple Festival in Niles.

People of all ages showed up to the festival’s carnival when it opened at 3 p.m., anticipating a day filled with Ferris wheel rides and apple-based treats.

“It looks like we’re going to have gorgeous weather,” said Tom Nyhuis, who is on the board of directors for the festival. “It’s perfect out here for festival time. This is the way we like it.”

According to Nyhuis, the temperature throughout Apple Festival weekend should mostly be in the 60s and low 70s. Which is much better weather than last year.

“I remember last year it was kind of cold and gloomy, and this year it’s going to be nice,” said Mariah Thompson, a 21-year-old Niles resident who is most excited for the “pirate ship” ride, deep-fried vegetables and, of course, caramel apples.

Other apple-based treats can be purchased throughout the Apple Festival, including at the Apple Product Tent and from food vendors.

“We do a lot of hot apple cider and peach and apple dumpling here,” said Dawn Jefferson, who runs Dawn’s Concessions.

In addition to eating apple-based treats, fairgoers can also enjoy apple-themed rides such as the Spin the Apple, which features giant mechanical apples that spin.

“The kids love the spinning,” said Amanda Guerin, who is in charge of the ride. “They control their own spinning from inside the apple. There’s a big turntable in the center where they can spin [themselves] and go at their own speed.”

Spin the Apple cost three coupons to ride, or can be ridden with that day’s wristband, which now utilizes QR codes to prevent customers from using fraudulent wristbands. According to Guerin, this is the first year the Apple Festival has incorporated this technology.

Wristbands for unlimited carnival rides are available each day. They cost $27 on Friday and Saturday, and $22 on Sunday.

The festival is back today and goes through Sunday at the Niles fairgrounds, located at the corner of Lake and North 17th streets. Between the Apple Festival Parade and Carnival, over 100,000 people are expected to attend.