How do you like them apples?
What a day! Last Sunday, October 6th, the sun shone brightly on the 1st Clonakilty Apple Fest, setting the perfect tone for a fun-filled, educational day dedicated to celebrating apples, local food, and our commitment to reducing food waste. And just as we finished packing up, the heavens opened, bringing the rain—talk about perfect timing!
The Apple Fest was a huge success, not just in terms of the fun and activities, but in the incredible community response to our zero food waste message. We had over 100 people turn up! From the start of the event, it was clear that the people of Clonakilty are rallying behind the cause and making a real difference.
A Day of Fun and Food Waste Awareness
The day was packed with activities for all ages. Our special guest, renowned apple expert Cillian Boyd, was a highlight of the festival. Throughout the day, Cillian shared his extensive knowledge on all things apple-related, offering identification tips and fascinating facts to curious attendees. His presence was a huge draw and made the festival both fun and educational.
One of the standout moments of the day was the community apple press, where everyone had the chance to turn surplus apples into fresh, delicious juice. In fact, one of the trees we harvested was right next door—those apples were about to rot on the ground before we saved them and put them to good use! Not only did this reduce food waste, but it also brought home our message of minimizing food miles. What could be fresher than enjoying juice made from apples grown a stone’s throw away?
The festival was filled with even more apple-y fun. Kids of all ages delighted in apple-themed races, games, and creative hat-making workshops. There was a wonderful sense of community spirit as children laughed and played, connecting with their food in a fun, hands-on way.
We were also thrilled to welcome Clonakilty Mayor Eileen Sheppard, who stopped by to show her support for the event and our cause. Her visit was a testament to how integral reducing food waste is becoming to the fabric of our community.
Celebrating Our Local Apples
Of course, no Apple Fest would be complete without the traditional apple pie and "biggest apple" competitions. The pies on display were mouth-watering, and the competition for the biggest apple was fierce. These moments reminded us how much we can enjoy and celebrate local produce—fostering a sense of pride in what we grow and how we can make sure nothing goes to waste.
Impacting Our Community, One Apple at a Time
What truly stood out at this event was the way our zero food waste message resonated with everyone. The simple act of pressing apples that would have otherwise gone to waste was a powerful demonstration of how small changes can make a big difference. People walked away not just with a bottle of fresh juice, but with a greater understanding of how they can contribute to a less wasteful future.
The festival was more than just a celebration of apples—it was a celebration of community, sustainability, and the collective effort to reduce food waste. Clonakilty is coming together to embrace this message, and events like these show that when we work together, we can make a serious impact.
Looking Forward
We’re already excited about next year’s Apple Fest and continuing to build on this momentum. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many locals telling us how inspired they are to reduce food waste in their homes and neighborhoods. Together, we can create a more sustainable, waste-free Clonakilty—one apple at a time.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, including Cillian Boyd, our volunteers, and all the wonderful attendees. And of course, a special shout-out to those who shared their photos and videos, capturing the magic of the day—we’ll be posting those soon, so keep an eye on our social media.
Here’s to more community events, more local produce, and less food waste in the year ahead.
