Hundreds enjoy apples, apples and more apples in Amityville
Gary Digiovanna, of Smithtown, competes in a chocolate pudding pie-eating contest at the Apple Fest in Amityville. (Oct. 6, 2012) Credit: Ursula Moore
With his hands behind his back, 44-year-old Gary Digiovanna dove head first into a chocolate pudding pie Saturday at Amityville’s inaugural Apple Fest.
Devouring the pie in less than 60 seconds, the Smithtown resident won the contest and earned himself a new polo T-shirt.
“The pie was delicious and eating it was so easy,” said Digiovanna.
The pie-eating contest was among the highlights of the festival at Park Avenue Gazebo hosted by the Amityville Chamber of Commerce, Amityville Historical Society and Amityville Rotary Club.
Festival-goers also enjoyed live music, vendors and an antique sale at the William T. Lauder Museum which features memorabilia of Amityville’s past.
And of the course, the event wouldn’t be complete without apples -- lots of apples. And lots of tasty apple treats -- apple pies, apple donuts, apple strudels.
“I am loving this,” said Martha Peterson, of Amityville. “I love the sweet donuts.”
Amityville Chamber of Commerce president Joanne Goodman was thrilled to see the tremendous support from the community.
“Amityville is a great place because of its sense of community,” Goodman said. “The people that live in Amityville are very active in the community.”
With hundreds in attendance, Amityville Rotary Club president John DiLiberto couldn’t have been happier.
“This is a great day. We have a lot of delicious Macintosh apples for people to eat and there are a lot of fun things to do,” said DiLiberto.
In years past, the chamber had an event called September Fest that included a sidewalk sale, and the Rotary Club had an Apple Fest featuring all types of apple treats and apple-themed events, while the historical society held an antique event. So this year’s event was created when the three groups decided it would be best to unite.
“We can bring a lot more people into Amityville this way to enjoy this wonderful place,” said Goodman.
While most were sampling different apple treats, Brian Welsh decided he was in the mood for chocolate.
“I just bought cupcakes and homemade chocolate,” said Welsh, of Lindenhurst. “I am having a good time.”
Maria Quinones-Ford, of Amityville, brought her husband Leroy Ford and niece Kimberly Quinones, of East Patchogue, to the festival looking for Halloween decorations, yummy apple treats and mums.
“I love how welcoming everyone is today,” said Quinones-Ford. “I like walking around and talking to everyone and supporting my community.”
