Every year, artists from all over the country come to showcase their work at the Art and Apples Festival.  This festival is scheduled the weekend after labor day, and this year took place on September 8, 9, and 10. Located at Rochester Municipal Park in downtown Rochester, the Art and Apples Festival is a program of Paint Creek Center for the Arts, a regional nonprofit art center.

The Paint Creek Center for the Arts’ website states as its mission statement that “the PCCA works year-round to advance its mission of enhancing life in the region by promoting, encouraging and creating opportunities to participate in and appreciate the arts.”

The Art and Apples Festival is full of lively music, yummy treats, and creative activities.  It is an experience that many people anticipate each year.

“I always look forward to going to Art and Apples.  It’s become a tradition for me to go with my mom, so over the years I have made many great memories from it,” said senior Caroline Swaim.

The festival encompasses nearly 300 artists every year and is consistently ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the top 50 art festivals in the country.  Along with talented artists, there was a variety of food vendors. Some of the food vendors included Giordano Wood Fired Pizza, Wack Waffles, apple pies, and crepes. This year, live entertainment was also available for all to enjoy.  The Adams High School marching band had the opportunity of playing at the festival, along with the Stoney Creek High School marching band, jazz performances, dance performances, and other individual performances. The festival also included a Kids Art Zone that allowed children to create and participate in different activities relating to art.  It is an event encompassing an assortment of different activities, including something for everyone to appreciate.

“Going to Arts and Apples is a tradition I enjoy with my family and friends every year.  I especially love seeing the new, innovative items using unusual mediums or techniques.  I always walk away with something I love,” said art teacher Mrs. Bovio.

Overall, the Art and Apples Festival is a fun, family-friendly, atmosphere.  It is a festival that includes art, music, food, and activities for all ages. The PCCA has worked hard to enhance life in the Rochester community through the arts, and has been successful by creating the Art and Apples Festival.