The Ruthven Apple Festival officially kicks off this morning with the annual pancake breakfast, put on by the Oddfellows and Rebekahs lodge.
It's the first of dozens of events over the weekend, mostly taking place on the grounds at Colasanti's.
One big attraction is the parade, according to Community Living Essex County spokesperson Tony DeSantis. It begins on Road 2 at 10am.
"We're going to leave from there and head north on County Rd. 34. We'll make a left hand turn on Road 3 and make our way into Colasanti's," says DeSantis.
The road will be closed for about an hour for the parade.
The entire event is a fundraiser for Community Living. They hope to raise $45,000, which will help fund the agencies transportation programs.
"It can be difficult getting around without public transit," says DeSantis. "Most of the people we support don't drive, so it can be a challenge getting to volunteer opportunities, employment, and just to access community resources."
