Apples might keep the doctor away, but they attract artists: at least 290, in the case of the Art and Apples Festival, back in Rochester Sept. 5-7. And, for its 49th year, the fest is under the watchful eye of a new executive director – and mom – who knows how to tackle this 30-acre affair, which has a rep as one of the nation’s biggest and best art festivals.
Tami Salisbury, who grew up in Ferndale, moved to Rochester just over a year ago with her family, including kids Brody, 6, and Cooper, 11. “It’s wonderful to be a resident and working in the community to give back,” says Salisbury, who spent close to 20 years in nonprofit management. She now helms the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, which runs the fest. Here are her top tips.
1 Get a guide.
Pick up one when you arrive; it’ll act as a GPS for the day. “If you are interested in a specific type of art, the guide breaks down all of the artists’ location based on their medium – as well as where all the food stations are.”
2 Visit the kid stuff!
The fest is packed with fun just for them, including an art zone full of activities, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall and live demonstrations and performances. “We’ll have different art projects happening,” Salisbury says, “We’ll have painting and gluing and sticking.”
3 Decorate a ’board.
Kids can meet with a graphic designer from South Street Skateboard and create their own custom skateboard deck.
4 Eat up.
Homemade apple pies are a staple. Be sure to try a taste.
5 Stroll around.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of art and apples, take in the scenic aspect of Rochester Municipal Park. “Bring your breadcrumbs and feed the ducks,” Salisbury says.
– C.C.
