(8/25) The 38th Annual Pippinfest is on its way once again, as dates this year are set for the last weekend in September, the 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., along Main Street in Fairfield. 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; a tradition that has continued ever since. As a way to bring townspeople together, David Thomas, owner of the 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.

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 festival brings people into the community, fosters an environment of fun for everyone, and brings community members together. Since the Pippinfest is classified as a Borough of Fairfield event, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Borough Council. If additional funds are made, the funds go into a reserve and can be used by the Borough for community enhancement. Recently, funds from this reserve were used to purchase display cases for the Historical Society, new conference tables for the Borough office and a donation was made to the Fairfield/Hamiltonban Joint Parks and Recreation Committee for the new park.

Community and local business’ support contributes significantly to the success of the festival every year. At this time, in addition to numerous craft and food vendors, the Pippinfest Committee has nine bands scheduled for Sunday's event including, Donnie Leaman, the Bluegrass Chapel Band, Rich Fehle, Austin Poulson and many others. As usual, Pippinfest will be a two-day event.

Pippinfest 2018 has many other 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 recognized as 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. 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 or www.facebook.com/pippinfest.