4 big apple festivals happening this October on Long Island

Contestants stand in line onstage, bent over a table with their hands behind their backs waiting for a whistle to blow. Inches from their faces is a whole apple pie. The challenge? Consume the pie using only their mouth. This Apple Pie Eating Contest is a tradition at Mill Neck Manor’s Apple Festival.

"Everyone just goes for it," says cochair Kelly Barbu. "The first to finish wins."

Freshly picked apples from upstate  orchards are a hot commodity on Long Island during the fall. Here are four  apple festivals coming this month.

Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf Apple Festival 

40 Frost Mill Rd., Mill Neck

Since 1961, the school has held an apple sale as a fundraiser. Today the apple sale continues, but it has grown into an apple festival with candy apples,  apple cider doughnuts, apple preserves, apple butter, apple strudel, apple pies, apple fritters and apple cider as well as six farm-fresh varieties (Jonagold, Gala, Snapdragon, Honeycrisp, Fuji and Crispin). "The Honeycrisps are the most popular because they are good for both cooking and eating," says Barbu.

Don’t miss out on the grilled bratwurst and roasted corn-on-the-cob in the food court. The How and the Deaf Music Ensemble provide tunes and there are carnival games, a pumpkin patch and inflatable rides for kids. More than 30 vendors fill the marketplace, plus fresh produce, Karl Ehmer meats and Golden Age Cheese will also be for sale.

• WHEN 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 -13
• COST Suggested $20 donation per car
• MORE INFO 516-922-4100, millneck.org

The Historical Society of the Massapequas Apple Festival 

4755 Merrick Rd., Massapequa

The festival serves as an open house for the public to learn more about the Historical Society of the Massapequas. "People may drive by our Historic Complex all the time, but they might not have ever been in our buildings," says president Charles Mackie. The Historic Complex consists of the Old Grace Church, the Delancey Floyd-Jones Free Library and the Elbert Floyd-Jones Servants Cottage. All will be open free of charge.

Of course, no apple festival would be complete without apples. Five varieties of freshly picked apples from upstate in Rockland County are sold in bags of six. Long Island produce from out East, such as broccoli, cabbage and eggplant, will also be available along with multiple flavors of pie like apple, pumpkin, blueberry and cherry.

For those who are hungry at the event, the society is selling hot dogs, chips and drinks plus slices of pie and coffee for dessert. A vendor market of handmade items has crafts, jewelry, jams, artwork and more. The Banjo Rascals provide instrumental folk music under a tent throughout the day and a craft table offers games, art projects and coloring opportunities for kids.

• WHEN 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19
• COST Free
• MORE INFO 516-799-2023, massapequahistoricalsociety.org

Huntington Historical Society's Apple Festival 

434 Park Ave., Huntington

Get a taste of history at the annual festival where guests can enjoy free tours of Dr. Daniel W. Kissam House. Built-in 1795, the structure sports intricate architectural details and contains a costume collection in the attic as well as many of the Society’s artifacts.

Apples from Richters Orchard, of Northport, will be for sale along with local baked goods like pumpkin and zucchini breads. "This is a free event for families to introduce children to Colonial activities and music while celebrating the fall," says Lorraine Kelley, president of the Huntington Historical Society.

For entertainment, magician Robert McEntee performs two half-hour shows and the Limerick Lasses are set to play traditional Colonial instrumental music all afternoon. For kids a crafts table including decorating mini pumpkins as well as lawn games such as cornhole and mini bowling. Additionally, an ice cream truck will be on the premises.

• WHEN Noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 20
• COST Free
• MORE INFO 631-427-7045, huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org

Town of Islip Apple Festival 

Islip Grange, 10 Broadway Ave., Sayville

Head down Apple Alley where Macintosh, Granny Smith, Empire, Fuji and many other varieties of apples, along with apple cider, are sold as part of the Sayville Fire Department’s annual fundraiser. Other apple-related products include apple pie, candy apples,  apple fritters,  apple strudel,  apple ices, bourbon apple roasted nuts and apple puffs will also be available.

A food court brings more than 25 food trucks serving everything from sausage and peppers to poutine to fried wontons. Country band Southbound takes the Main Stage while acoustic duo The Other Two plays in the North Field Food Tent. Local families can make submissions for the Scarecrow Contest where ribbons are awarded. More than 300 vendors will be selling everything from wood crafts, floral pieces and artist paintings to clothing, toys and holiday décor. S&S Amusements sets up a carnival with rides and games while Rocking Horse Ranch provides pony rides and a petting zoo.

• WHEN 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 26 (rain date: Oct. 27)
• COST Free
• MORE INFO 631-224-5430, islipny.gov

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.