Lincoln Square – Apple Fest returned Oct. 2‑4 with record‑breaking crowds, turning the neighborhood’s streets into a bustling celebration of fall flavors and local commerce. While some attendees voiced frustration over long lines on social media, many business owners praised the surge in foot traffic and sales.
Vendors report strong sales
Kate Augustin, general manager of The Chopping Block, said the festival “always blows any regular sales out of the water.” The bakery, a Lincoln Square staple for more than two decades, sold roughly 4,000 slices of apple pie over the three‑day event. Augustin noted that the business has steadily increased the number of pies it prepares each year as Apple Fest grows.
Neighborly, a local gift shop that set up a table at the festival, also saw a spike in visitors. Employee Gaby Escovar, who has worked there since 2023, described the weekend as the busiest Apple Fest she has ever experienced. She said many shoppers stopped inside to browse the shop’s curated selection of vendor‑made items, bringing new customers from outside the neighborhood.
Long‑standing businesses see mixed results
Ingrid Kaltenbach, owner of International Fashions by Ingrid, a European clothing store operating since 1978, observed that while the festival attracted many new faces, her shop saw only a handful of sales. Kaltenbach warned customers with appointments to park farther away and prepare for the crowds.
Joanna Veth, shift lead at the nearby gift shop Enjoy, echoed concerns about crowd management. “It’s good for business, but I am worried about the people out there,” she said, urging organizers to consider additional crowd‑control measures to ensure safety.
Chamber highlights festival’s growth
The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, which organizes Apple Fest, highlighted the event’s evolution since its 1988 debut. Originally a modest sidewalk market, the festival added a second day in 2016 and now spans three days, covering an extra block of Lincoln Avenue between Sunnyside and Lawrence avenues.
Lisa Ripson, the chamber’s spokesperson, credited “beautiful fall weather and an unprecedented amount of social media attention” for the strong Saturday turnout. She added that Sunday’s attendance was more manageable and that planners are already looking ahead to the festival’s 40th anniversary, promising improvements to crowd flow and overall experience.
Social media fuels interest
Several attendees attributed the large crowds to a wave of TikTok videos promoting the festival. The chamber confirmed that viral social‑media posts helped draw visitors from beyond the immediate neighborhood, expanding the event’s reach and economic impact.
Overall, Apple Fest continues to serve as a vital platform for Lincoln Square’s small businesses, offering exposure, increased sales, and an opportunity to showcase the community’s unique character to a broader audience.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
