Point Park embraced fall last Tuesday as campus dining services presented AppleFest.

The Village Park festival was the embodiment of autumn as CulinArt offered gourds, pumpkins, cider, music and crafts—and, of course, apples.

“We offered apple pie, apple cider, caramel and candy apples and then we do a bunch of fresh vegetables,” Kristy Weiss of CulinArt said. “We do pumpkin painting where you can win a prize, live entertainment and we do a Pop-Up Café, coffee stations and a little bit of everything.”

The little bit of everything was a lot of fun for those students who attended, and especially those who embrace the farmers’ market phenomenon which is sweeping Pittsburgh and the nation.

“We go through Paragon, and they source all local farms,” Weiss said. “Students look forward to the AppleFest every year. They’re excited, which is awesome.”

Lauren Sutter is a student who spotted the festival by chance—she didn’t plan on going, but decided to stay once it caught
her eye.

“It looked like a lot of fun, so I came back,” Sutter said, “The pumpkin painting has been a lot of fun. There’s lots of different things to do and buy. They’ve basically run out of pumpkins so they could probably stock more next year.”

The quickly-moving pumpkins highlight a growing sensation among college students. Fresh foods are always in high demand, especially on campus where options are limited. 

AppleFest served an alternative to the usually Café standards, and provided a gathering place for students to enjoy the changing of the seasons.

In addition to the colored Village Park leaves and crisp air, students were able to experience an atmosphere of music as well. 

Bryana Apply performed an acoustic set with original material and covers for two hours for festival-goers in the style of the Point Perk coffee shop, which was situated right next door to AppleFest.

“It was a blend of modern pop, country and rock and roll,” Apply said. “I think it’s a great location because as the kids were walking to and from class, they can see and hear everything.”

Students will have to wait until next fall to see and hear another AppleFest, but according to CulinArt, there are still three more Pop Up Cafes this semester which will be presented in the same style at Village Park.