by Heather Skolnick
Block off your calendars! The 3rd Annual Armonk Cider & Donut Festival is scheduled for Sunday, September 14th, 2014 at Wampus Brook Park. The event is sponsored by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce and celebrates the Fall Season and Armonk’s history. What better way to celebrate Fall than by enjoying Cider and Donuts with our local Armonk merchants, friends and neighbors outdoors in the wonderfully crisp Fall weather?
The origin of the event stems from Armonk’s history as a destination for cider and donuts at the former Shultz’s Cider Mill, together with the desire to create a festival to unite the town’s residents. Last year’s event Chair Sue Allison-Dean of Naturescapes said, “Although Shultz’s Cider Mill is no longer here, their cider and donuts still live in our fondest memory. “ Thus in 2012, she said, “the idea was born.” The event started very small with only a table of cider and donuts. Last year, the event expanded exponentially, including a wide range of family friendly activities. There were games, a bounce house, contests and more. What could be more fun than apple juggling and donut fishing? It was a wonderful family day that was well attended by the community–in fact, Sue said she was thrilled with the turn out! With such a successful event last year, for the 3rd Annual festival this year, Sue anticipates even more businesses will participate with new fun activities. Expect lots of family fun coordinated by this year’s chair, Edie Martinucci from the Armonk Library. There will be many more apple and donut themed games, prizes and even a silent auction. While activities are still being finalized, apple carving, dunk tanks, apple bowling and donut jenga are just some new ideas being tossed around.
Edie said, “I am enthusiastic that this year’s Cider and Donut Festival will once again bring families to downtown Armonk for an activity filled afternoon…Donut fishing, pie eating, apple juggling and apple picking will return and I am confident the Chamber of Commerce members will surprise us with some new and inspired activities to make this another successful festival year.”
Donuts are provided by Beascakes Bakery, and are their famous cinnamon sugar variety. Owner Julie Dickens said that “Anytime the town participates in an event, I always want to be a part of it–anything good for the town is also good for business!” The Chamber members participated in many ways, by sponsoring not just food but also activities and music.
Armonk resident Megan Elkowitz and her family attended last year. She said, “We went because it was something new for us to check out in our community. It had a very ‘small town feel.’ The donuts and cider were delicious and affordable. It was very family and pet friendly with cute games for the preschool/elementary age.” Asked if she will go again, she said she certainly would stop by!
The Festival is open to all, and activities will range from live music to pie eating contests. Most activities will be tied to the theme of Cider & Donuts. The Festival follows “Jamie’s 5K ‘Run for Love’” so plan on coming early to either get some exercise at the run or cheer on your neighbors before enjoying the best donuts and cider the area has to offer! As Edie said, “Fall foliage, bluegrass tunes in the air, cider and donuts–sounds like the perfect recipe for success to me!”
Heather Skolnick, her husband and three children reside in New Castle, joined by their donut-loving dog Freddie. Heather works for a fashion retailer designing systems that support the evolution of how people shop. When not at the playground mastering the jungle gym, the family is actively training to compete in all cider and donut related events at the Festival this year!
