Hamden’s Dunbar United Church of Christ hosted its 54th annual Apple Festival on Oct. 21 to commemorate fall and bond more as a congregation.
For 82-year-old George Braen, who volunteers at the church and operates the Zoom, elevator and sound systems, this event holds a special meaning for him and the entire congregation.
“We look forward to this like you would not believe it, already in May we’re looking forward to this,” Braen said.
The entirely volunteer-run event comprises people in the festival cafe making apple crisp, apple pancakes, aebleskivers — a danish pastry containing apple —, coffee, tea and cider. It also had a raffle and some tables with various knick knacks for sale.
Many members of the congregation were at the event, with some like Ted Endriss Jr., 50, coming all the way from Greensboro, North Carolina.
“To turn back and getting to see family, hopefully see some old friends and seeing spots that I used to play in as a little kid,” Endriss said. “(It’s) just seeing things and having great memories.”