If you attended the Four Flags Area Apple Festival this weekend, it is likely you were wearing a few more layers than in recent years.

Although temperatures dropped to the low 50s during the daytime and even colder in the evenings, the people of Niles were undeterred.

As the Apple Festival “Saluted Our Troops,” countless people proudly demonstrated their patriotism, and it was beautiful to see such well-deserved recognition of the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving our country.

The patriotic displays on floats, in downtown business windows, on T-shirts and costumes and even painted on children’s faces showed loyalty to our country, but the attendance despite the poor weather showed a strong loyalty to the Niles community.

Thousands of people participated in the various contests, attended concerts, rode rides, played games, watched or walked in the Grande Parade, enjoyed yummy apple treats and frequented craft booths. Even when the rain started pouring down, people packed the various tents to watch contests, eat food and just enjoy each other’s company.

For many communities, planning outdoor events in Michigan is risky business no matter what time of year it is, but especially in fall and spring. The unpredictable weather makes it impossible to pick dates that are sure to be warm and sunny, so most communities opt to have their big festivals during the summer months — or completely inside.

The fact that the festival’s attendance was so high this weekend despite less than stellar weather is a testament to not only the success of previous years, but the dedication the Niles region has to this 43-year tradition.

Niles is able to continue hosting its biggest festival of the year in this tricky season for a few reasons: First, fall is beautiful in this region, and the apple harvest deserves the recognition. Second, the longstanding event has built such a following and been such a continued success that it is much anticipated, and as we found out this weekend, people will find a way to attend regardless. Third, the Apple Festival committee does such a wonderful job of marketing the event that people from far away plan to attend weeks or months in advance.

As our staff took turns manning booths, shooting photographs, judging pie contests and talking with community members, we noticed just how important this festival is to the community it serves.

It was truly heartwarming to see all the smiling faces determined to take advantage of the endless hours of hard work the festival committees have put into planning the event all year long.

Congratulations to all of the hard-working volunteers who planned this year’s Apple Festival. We can’t wait to see you again next year.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.