(8/24) Fairfield’s 43rd Annual Pippinfest is just around the corner with dates this year set for September 28th and 29th. Two new members joined the dedicated group comprising the Fairfield Borough’s Pippinfest Committee which spends months planning and organizing the festival. Organization typically starts in February and really kicks in during the month of June when Committee members begin setting the schedule, booking entertainment and arranging for infrastructure needs.
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 continued tradition ever since. As a way to bring townspeople together, in 1980 Inn owner David Thomas 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.
To this day, local Scout troops, high school groups, churches, and social organizations gather to sell food, drinks, and other goods to help raise money for their organizations. Along with them, commercial food trucks and a wide variety of vendors including crafters and commercial retail organizations set up on the Main Street sidewalks creating a festive shopping atmosphere. Pippinfest attracts people into the community, fosters an environment of fun for everyone, and brings neighbors together. Any proceeds realized are held in reserve and can be used by the Borough for community enhancement.
Food vendors will set up at multiple locations on Main Street. New this year is a Beer Garden with entertainment and multiple beverage vendors at Mansion House 1757. The Kids Korner next to the fire hall will be open both days from 9-4 with pony rides, games, inflatable rides, and a petting zoo.
Also on both days, Stitch ‘N Peace quilting guild will host a quilt show inside the Village Hall from 10 to 4. Visitors may vote for their favorite quilt, and the quilt with the most votes will be awarded "Best of Show" with its creator receiving one of this year’s commemorative Pippinfest pottery pieces. The dated pottery this year is a ramen bowl, handmade by artist McKayla Small at her KilNitCeramics studio. To assure going home with your own 2024 work of art, you can call the Borough office at 717-642-5640 to pre-order.
Yard sales are a feature on Saturday only with the Fairfield Fire Co. opening its parking lot to sellers for a small donation and local residents setting up at their homes. A variety of vendors will be set up on Main Street to sell hand-made crafts.
On Sunday the popular Cruise In Show and Swap Meet invites any kind of wheeled vehicle to set up and show off in the Fire Company lot. The show attracts a wide variety of vehicles including antique autos, hot rods, rat rods, vintage race and muscle cars, & street rods.
Also on Sunday, six different bands will perform in various venues throughout the Borough, including the Beer Garden, and the Fairfield high school and middle school students will showcase a variety of Band, Show Choir, and Chamber Choir performances from 12:30 to 1:30.
For more information and event times visit www.pippinfest.com or call the Borough office at 717-642-5640.
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