(8/29) The 37th Annual Pippinfest is on its way once again, as dates this year are set for the weekend of September 23 and 24 along Main Street in Fairfield. The festival dates back to 1980 and is now organized by the Fairfield Borough Pippinfest Committee. Organization for the festival typically starts in February, but really kicks in during the month of June, when Committee members begin setting the schedule and organizing vendors.

Dating back to 1980, the Pippinfest festival holds its roots firmly in community togetherness. The festival was started as a way to promote local non-profits, which has been a tradition that has continued ever since. As a way to bring townspeople together, David Thomas, the owner of Fairfield Inn in 1980, invited local clubs and school groups to participate in a community-wide celebration of the apple harvest. As a small town with a strong sense of community, the citizens of Fairfield were eager to support the idea and an all-day street festival was planned.

A community festival, such as the Pippinfest, allows local non-profits to fund raise for their causes. Local Boy Scout troops, high school groups, churches and many others are able to sell food, drinks and other goods in order to help raise money for their organization. The Pippinfest brings people into the community, fosters an environment of fun for everyone, and brings community members together. Additional funds made during Pippinfest go into a reserve and can be used by the Borough for community enhancement. Recently, funds from this reserve were used to purchase new conference tables and chairs for the Borough Hall office, restoration, framing and matting of the town map, the purchase of a complete Pippinfest pottery collection, and the display cases to house the pottery collection.

Pippinfest 2017 has many events in store this year. As always, yard sales and craft and food vendors from all over the region will be happening on Saturday. Additionally, there will be a quilt show with demonstrations by Stitch ‘N Peace from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday is the big day at Pippinfest with entertainment from several musical groups, children’s games, pony rides, and inflatable rides by Phantom Shadow. Antique autos, hot rods, vintage race and muscle cars, street rods, motorcycles and trucks will be on display for all to admire during the "Cruise-In Car Show and Swap Meet." Take in a bit of local culture and visit the beautiful display of Pippinfest Pottery; enjoy a root beer float and don’t miss the apple dessert contest on Sunday. With close to 100 craft and food vendors, no one will go home without having a treat!

For over three decades, Pippinfest, which literally means "apple festival," is still going strong. The festival has grown and offered attendees a memorable weekend full of fun and entertainment for all ages. Volunteers from the local community work year round to bring this amazing event to people near and far. From school and musical groups, to local charities, Boy Scouts, and church groups, Pippinfest has been a town-wide celebration of community, the harvest, and tradition. For activity, event times and locations, visit www.pippinfest.com.