On October 26, the 44th Annual Town of Islip Apple Festival and Scarecrow Contest brought the community together for another year of fall festivities on the scenic green of Islip Grange in Sayville. Attracting hundreds of families and many adorable pets–with quite a few sporting, creative costumes––added a Halloween spirit to the atmosphere.
Highlights included a charming petting zoo and pony rides, which provided hands-on fun and the opportunity to get up close and friendly with the animals. Thrill-seekers, meanwhile, enjoyed an array of classic carnival rides—from the nostalgic carousel and spinning wheels to the crowd-favorite Gravitron, which added an element of suspense to the festival.
Food lovers also enjoyed various apple-themed delights, including apple puffs, cider donuts, apple fritters, and other delectable treats offered in the food booths. One standout being was the inventive “walking banana pudding” from Good Eats.
Live music also filled the air throughout the day, featuring performances by “Southbound,” a classic rock and country band, and acoustic duo “The Other Two.” Some attendees came with lawn chairs to sit back and enjoy the show, while others used the opportunity to bust a move. Southbound’s country twang sparked some enthusiastic line dancing from the crowd!
The signature Scarecrow Contest was a showstopper, receiving various intricate submissions. A memorable entry, a giant dog scarecrow crafted by Islip Animal Shelter won 2nd place for its originality and attention to detail.
Enjoying the crisp and sunny mid-autumn weather made this year’s festival wonderful.
