The Labor Day Arts N' Apples Festival

The end of summer in our great city, saddens even the newcomer who is here to partake in one of the illustrious events that this city is known for. Rochester, Michigan has been rated one of the top 100 cities to live in America. We sit on the northern fringe of Detroit and boast having 12,000 people living here. We not only have some of the best restaurants around, but we delight in events that are held all year-long. From dancing in the streets, and movies at the park to having all the store-fronts in downtown Rochester lit for the holidays. Our town's christmas parade is televised every year and our 4th of July fireworks brings in people from all around. But, I have to admit, I think my biggest thrill is the Arts N' Apples Festival held every year at Labor Day.

This tradition has been a 30 year event that is sponsored by the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. The PCCA provides opportunities for community organizations to boost awareness and they fund this 3-day event. Featured at this festival are over 250 artists who display everything from hand blown stained-glass pieces, to original pieces of furniture. This festival is so revered that parking in downtown Rochester is almost impossible. That is why they supply shuttle service to Rochester park from the local high school which is situated right across the street from where the festival is held.

The park expands over acres of rolling hills, paint creek river, walking paths, storm shelters,and kids swings so that it is necessary to wear comfortable shoes. On both the North and South ends of the park, there are food tents set up. You can delight in anything from a candied apple to a jamician jerk sandwich. The Knights of Columbus are known for grilling their kielbasa as Millers Orchard is for bringing their cider and doughnuts. Apples permeate the grounds with a sweet aromatic scent that makes you take note of the fact, the Older Persons Commission,or, as we call them the OPC, has their apple pies, and apple cakes. They are always a big hit, and all funds that are collected goes towards their health and wellness program. Paws for the Cause is usually crowded with everyone wanting more information on the dogs. Better known to us as Leader Dogs for the Blind, they do all their training with the dogs in the town. That's why you may do a double-take when you flop down on a stool at the hamburg joint, and find you may be sharing some space! No, they have these dogs highly trained and the people who live here to.

Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities. All their activities are free and always includes a project for them to create at the kids zone and then they can take them home. Kids events are called: make and take art projects, life-sized kids art maze, DIA(Detroit Institute of Arts), art project. Along with all of the kids programs, (there are more than I can mention), live entertainment keeps everyone smiling and dancing. The kids love when students from Deborah's Stage Door dance, or, they'll see a smidgen of a play brought on by Rochester Players. In high school I had belonged to Rochester Players where some of their work was done in New York on stage.

Now, remember I said there was a North and South entrance. So, what one end has, the other end has just as good. It's nothing to see the Detroit Pistons there, or, to have demonstrations by the artist. Every year there is a tent to get your child's I.D. and kids always take the chance to challenge each other at the skate park. All in all, I have never decided which part is the best. I think this year I'll hit Cosi's food tent and pig out on their tomato, basil, and mozzarella sandwich. Then, I can walk to the other end, maybe have souvlaki and just take the apple pie home.

Hours: Days: Sept. 3, 4 & 5th

Friday-4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Saturday-9:00 A.M.-7:30 P.M.

Sunday-9:00 a.m.-4:00p.m.

Did you know that China is now the world's largest apple producer followed by the U.S. In the U.S. Washington provides the most apples, with New York coming in second, followed by Michigan.