The crowd was thin, but the booths were plentiful Friday at the start of the Long Grove Apple Fest.
The 31st annual Long Grove Apple Fest got under way Friday on the first full day of fall — with temperatures firmly in the autumn category.
There were plenty of apples ready for the expected crowds of people at the crossroads village. The streets were lined with business booths, and food was available near the main intersections. Apple-themed foods included pie, doughnuts, cider, green apple cotton candy, apple wine, caramel apples and apple sangria. If that were not enough, apple pie-eating contests are set for 1 and 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
A classic carnival offers unlimited rides for $25, and there is a kids zone that features arts and crafts, character impersonators and pumpkin painting.
One of the biggest draws remains the steady rhythm of live music that starts at noon both Saturday and Sunday and lasts until the end of the day. The festival goes until 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $5 for a single-day pass and $10 for a weekend pass. Kids 12 and younger get in free. Pets on a leash are allowed.
