Bayfield Apple Festival Cancelled for 2020

Here's yet another cancelation to add to the list of 2020.

The Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau announced today that the 59th annual Bayfield Apple Festival which was scheduled to take place on October 2nd - 4th has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival, which draws 50,000 people a year to the town of less than 5,000, could be a real health disaster for Bayfield County which has no ICU and only 3 ventilators according to officials.

“After nearly 60 years, Apple Festival has become a strong part of the ‘Bayfield experience.’ Having a year without Bayfield Apple Festival is going to be devastating to many local businesses and to our orchards but the decision was made for the safety of our community,” said David Eades, Executive Director of the Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau in a press release. “Bayfield is resilient and I have no doubt that we will all work together to make 2021 the best Apple Festival ever.”

Just 10 days ago organizers posted an update on social media saying that the festival had not been canceled and that they were continuing to discuss the issue at regular board meetings.

This will no doubt hit the economy of Bayfield hard as many of the businesses, orchards, and vendors probably survive due to the once a year event that brings in a ton of money into the small town.

Trying to put a positive spin on the sad news, Marketing Director Paige Rautio said, "I look forward to showing people the genuine Bayfield. One without 50,000 people taking the focus from our Victorian-style homes, quaint B&Bs, and working art studios. We have some of the best food in the state, caught or picked fresh daily. Now people have more time to pick apples and see what Bayfield has to offer."

Mark your calendar for October 1st - 3rd 2021 for the return of the Bayfield Apple Festival. We can't wait!