ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Apple Harvest Festival returned for the 41st year this past weekend.  Tens of thousands of people showed up to enjoy all the weekend had to offer.

Apple products were everywhere you looked From apple cider donuts, to candied apples, to hard cider, there was something for everyone. People filled Ithaca Commons and the surrounding areas.  For many people, this is an event that keeps them coming back for more.

ONE VENDOR COMMENTED ON WHY APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL IS so special, and such a success.

"A TON OF PEOPLE COME TO THIS FESTIVAL, AND ITS A FIRST TIME EXPOSURE TO MOST PEOPLE FOR CIDER.  THIS IS OUR 8TH OR 10TH YEAR COMING, AND ITS A REALLY GOOD FIT. PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR APPLES AND ITS WHAT WE DO. WE MAKE DRINKS FROM APPLES," said Garrett Miller, the founder of Finger Lakes Cider House.

Apple Harvest Festival is the unofficial kick off to New York Cider Week, which starts October 6th and runs until the 15th.