Heat helps keep attendance and cider sales high at Four Flags Area Apple Festival

 

NILES, Mich. -- The Four Flags Area Apple Festival has wrapped up after four days of fun, games, rides, food and of course, apples.

While there are no official numbers yet, organizers estimate that between 50,000 to 60,000 people were in attendance over the course of the festival.

Part of what drew so many in was the near-perfect conditions, with temperatures averaging in the high 70's and low 80s without rainfall. 

With so many people crowded into one space, things got hot quickly, so cool and refreshing apple cider slushies became the most popular beverage in the space.

"They're loving these apple cider slushies," said Amanda Bishop, a volunteer. "They're all ready to cool off and this is the perfect treat for that."

While apple cider vendors raked in sales by the bushel, the heat wasn't without its problems, as ice-based vendors and arts & crafts booths struggled with the higher-than-average temps. 

Work on the 52nd annual festival will begin quickly, with organizers already thinking of 2024. 

"The festival for our volunteers is an all-year effort, we start right after the festival and go onto the next one." said Festival Board of Directors, Patricia Teeter. 

More information on the festival can be found here.