Delmont’s Apple’n Arts Festival looking at options for 2020 event amid coronavirus concerns
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Officials from the annual Apple’n Arts Festival are getting a little bit antsy.
The event regularly draws thousands to Delmont in the fall, and with the region having shifted into “green status” in the state’s phased covid-19 reopening plan, festival organizers were looking for some direction from the borough on how to move forward.
“What comes after ‘green,’ anyway?” Mayor Alyce Urban asked.
Festival committee member Brandi Walters said they are looking at three possible scenarios: the traditional, as-is festival; drive-thru sales of festival staples such as apple pie and cider; or a market structure, similar to the plan that Ligonier Country Market officials devised.
The Ligonier Country Market openend with a host of new guidelines in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and many other farmers’ markets in the region are taking a similar tack, ensuring shoppers wear masks, prohibiting reusable bags, observing social distancing and following a specific path through the grounds.
Police Chief T.J. Klobucar said the festival committee’s decision will impact the emergency plan his department develops each year in preparation for the massive influx of visitors to the 1-square-mile borough.
Other factors include a decision to be made about the shuttles that typically bring attendees from off-site parking to the festival.
Walters said organizers will need to make a final decision by August.
“Hopefully things will open up a little more by then,” Delmont council President Andy Shissler said.
The festival is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 3-4 at Shields Farm.
For the latest news, see DelmontAppleNArts.com.
Below, see scenes from last year’s festival.