There was plenty of excitement all round when SDG MP Eric Duncan cut the ribbon, officially opening the 2025 Iroquois Apple Festival. From the left: Candice Latulippe, SDSG MP Nolan Quinn, Aiden Adams, SDG MP Eric Duncan, SD Mayor Jason Broad, SD Deputy Mayor Marc St. Pierre, David Lapier and SD Councillor Tom Smyth. Thompson Goddard Photo

IROQUOIS – There was a fantastic turnout for the 2025 Iroquois Apple Festival held on Sept. 20 in the Iroquois Plaza. The event is now in its seventh year of providing a day full of entertainment, fun and food for visitors and residents alike.

This year there were a multitude of activities which included information displays from community organizations, vender booths full of gift suggestions, fun games, a silent auction and the opportunity to enjoy viewing the approximately 220 vintage vehicles in the Golden Gears Car Club Show N’ Shine.

In the Kid’s Zone and throughout the plaza, there was plenty of activities for youngsters of all ages to enjoy.  From train rides to Taekwondo Demonstrations, inflatable rides, rock wall climbing, magicians, buskers and an Iroquois’ Got Talent contest, the list seems almost endless.

Throughout the day there were several competitions for people to enter. These included apple pie and apple desserts competitions and the Cutest Apple Dumpling event for youngsters up to 24 months as well as an Iroquois’ Got Talent contest, colouring and baking contests as well as colouring and apple art competitions. Candice Latulippe of the organizing committee of Iroquois Applefest provided results following the events.

The winner in the 0-6 months division of the Cutest Apple Dumpling event was won by Maverick Perry, in the 7-12 month age group the winner was Nora Baelde and in the 13-24 months division Adi Sodha took top spot.

Winners in the ‘Iroquois’ Got Talent’ contest were as follows: in the Junior Division first place was awarded to Adonai Johnston-Ramos, in the Intermediate Division Caden and Levi Gallon were the winners and in the Adult Division Holly Johnston took top honours. The apple pie contest was won by Caitlin Wachter, with Ron Morrow taking first place in the apple dessert competition.

The Adult and Intermediate Apple Art winners were Loretta and Makenna Thomas respectively. The colouring contest had several divisions with Felicia Byrd taking top honours in the adult division. In the Youth Division there were several categories, with Mahira Mohammed taking first place in the 6 years and under category, in the 7-8 years category Maisie took first place and in Youth 9-14 years first place went to Isla.

There were several choices of food vendors for people to choose from including the restaurants in the community. Choices available included pizza, a lunch barbeque and the ever-popular Lions Chicken Barbeque.

During the well-attended opening ceremonies, the announcement of the new community pavilion was dedicated in “Memory of Ron Swank”. Latulippe mentioned in a post event email to The Record explained “After numerous fundraising efforts by the Iroquois and District Business Group, private donations by individuals and businesses and the South Dundas Dollar for Dollar Matching Funds that they applied for and received, the community pavilion is finally in place.”

She mentioned how “Our only regret is that one of our own was not here to see it finished. The new Pavilion was Dedicated in Memory of “Ron Swank” during the Opening of Iroquois Apple Festival.” And thanked the members of his family who were at the event. “He will always be remembered. But never forgotten.” said Latulippe.

As the opening ceremonies came to a close, SDG MP Eric Duncan presented the Iroquois Ambassador Award to David Lapier in recognition of the contributions he has made to the community. Lapier then spoke on what a great community South Dundas is to live and work in and expressed his deep affection community.

During the afternoon people were entertained by Eddie and The Stingrays, a local group playing many crowd favourites which delighted the audience. The day ended with a parade in the community and fireworks. Latulippe mentioned Archie Spies winning the Best Johnny Appleseed float and Allan and Lisa Bailey providing the best float in the parade.

On behalf of the organizing committee, Latulippe mentioned how “all in all, the committee was extremely pleased with the day! We can’t thank the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, attendees and anyone we have missed enough. Without each and everyone of them this wonderful community event would never take place.”