By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year, as upward of 2,000 people are expected to turn out for the 40th annual Vermont Apple Festival and Craft Show on Oct. 12.
The show will once again take place at Riverside Middle School, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be vendor prize raffle drawings throughout the day, as well as a 50/50 drawing at the end. The annual event is always a big hit for locals and people from across New England to come out for what is a classic autumn event in scenic Vermont.
Springfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Taylor Drinker said there are seven food trucks that range from waffles to Jamaican food, to tacos, to ice cream.
“This is always a big draw for the community and the tourists, but the main thing is the crafts, artists and food vendors,” Drinker said. “It is all handmade goods that include jewelry, wood burning and more.”
There are 50 vendors that come from across New England, and for the first time there will be artisan packaged gourmet foods available for purchase in the cafeteria. The event will include apple cider, cider doughnuts, kids’ activities, a beer and wine garden, live music and the always popular apple pie contest with Miss Vermont Meara Seery as one of the judges.
“This is all about atmosphere and vibes,” she said. “It’s a great celebration of fall in Vermont with our farmers and crafters.”
Food trucks include fried dough and drinks from AJ’s Catering; gourmet egg rolls from locally owned Munchie Rollz; Mentor’s Family Kitchen, which is a home based, fully licensed kitchen that will offer items like mac and cheese and BBQ chicken; Kona Ice offering snow cones and ice cream; Jamaican Jewelz, which is the home of the “Original Maple Jerk Chicken,” and burgers, dogs and fries from Hound Dogs.
The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce is in its 107th year and located right on historic downtown Main Street. It is a hub for resources and referrals for visits, and the Chamber is a spot where people can find out about events, exciting places to go and where there might be a good place to eat. According to the website, they “not only act as liaisons and promoters, but focus on networking and marketing opportunities, education and advocacy on the local and state level for our members.”
Drinker knows that there are people out there who may have heard of the Chamber, but don’t know exactly what they do. This can all change on Wednesday, as the Springfield Town Library is hosting “Ask the Chamber” for people to get a little more acquainted with the organization.
“This is part of a community conversation series that the library has been putting on, and they have been featuring a number of different organizations from the area,” Drinker said. “There’s been the Department of Health and Department of Safety, and others throughout the year.”
Drinker said there will be a coffee bar and a casual environment for people to talk to her, as well as Board President Mike Schmitt. They will be speaking to the public about how they support local businesses, and people can ask questions about Chamber programs and more.
“It’s mostly a chance for people to come and chat, and learn about what we do,” Drinker said. “This is a brand-new thing for us.”
The event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.
For more information log onto springfieldvt.com
