Small Town Feels Brings in Big Energy for 63rd Bayfield Applefest

BAYFIELD, Wis.– The leaves are turning, and what should be a sign of fall, kicked off as a beautiful sunny beginning for the 63rd Apple Fest.

And the crowd is seemingly excited for this seasonal milestone.

“It’s a big weekend, not only for us at the Chamber, but for our business owners in our community, the economic impact of the Apple festival is about $40 million throughout the three days,” said Kati Anderson, Public Relations Manager, Bayfield Chamber.

Visitors telling us, they look forward to the endless apple treats, and the delicious harvest many orchards bring to the table.

However, it’s all about the little things that is bringing people back.

“The atmosphere of the town, it’s just so completely wonderful weather and everything, and the colors, the scenery, the countryside you’ve got, the lake, if you can’t find something to do, well, then there’s a problem with you,” said Tina and Dennis Love, Applefest visitors. “Everybody comes together. The shop owners are standing outside. They’re greeting people, talking to people.”

One of the shop owners is keeping busy with a print shop in the heart of Bayfield.

Despite this being her fourth Apple Fest, she says, she never takes it for granted.

“I think it feels a little surreal, but also very special, and I love the energy. So, the more people that we get here, the better to kind of fall in love with what we do here,” beamed Kate Clark, owner Penny Print Shop. “I feel honored just to be in Bayfield in general. It’s a very charming community full of artisans, and we obviously love our Lakeshore.”

For 63 whole years, this small-town little festival all started with a special little fruit.

“It is a five-hour drive just to come to the cabin, then another hour drive from the cabin to here,” said Love.

So, whether Apple fest draws you in for the sense of community, the good vibe to the energy, the core of it all, it’s really the small-town feel.

Throughout the weekend, guests can look forward to plenty of music, parades, and of course apple themed treats.