Chamber reviews Applefest finances, holiday events and director search
By Megan Jantos·News·Tuesday, October 13, 2026
The Weston Chamber of Commerce estimated that Applefest drew 15,000 to 20,000 visitors this year, while board members reviewed preliminary festival finances, discussed plans for upcoming holiday events and gave an update on the Chamber’s director search.
The Oct. 3-4 festival brought heavy crowds downtown, a board member said during the Chamber’s Oct. 8 meeting. Organizers estimated attendance based in part on about 350 vehicles at the Snow Creek shuttle area, but the figure was not a verified count.
Board members said the shuttle helped manage traffic, though as many as four busloads of people were waiting at one point. The longest reported wait was about 30 minutes. Organizers discussed adding tents and possibly selling food and water at the Snow Creek area next year.
Members said traffic moved more smoothly than in some previous years, but they identified a need for clearer directions during vendor setup. Connectivity problems also affected sales at the Chamber booth near Main and Thomas streets. A board member said about 60 transactions were disrupted when the connection dropped. At least two customers later reported being charged twice, and the business issued refunds.
The board discussed visitor requests for more apple-themed food and activities. Members said vendors already offer some apple-related items, but visitors asked where they could find apples and popular festival foods. Organizers discussed encouraging vendors to offer more apple-themed options.
Expanding the vendor area could increase revenue, board members said, but available space is limited by emergency vehicle access and concerns about vendors selling similar products. The board discussed whether another block could be used, but made no decision.
The treasurer’s report put Applefest income at $46,666.85 and expenses at about $45,023, which would leave a preliminary surplus of roughly $1,600. Members said the figures still needed reconciliation. Some online payment deposits were being assumed to be Applefest income, and the report did not include all expected deposits and costs.
The Chamber’s next listed events are the Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting on Nov. 14 and the Historic Weston Homes Tour on Dec. 5-6. Organizers said the homes tour will include six homes, including one outside town. A shuttle is planned for the country home. Father Christmas is expected to participate in the holiday events as in last year.
Board members also discussed the Chamber’s director position. The meeting discussion indicated that two candidates had been interviewed and one remained to be interviewed, though members expressed uncertainty about the status. No hiring decision or timeline was announced.
