Brighton's Applefest was created in 1975 by the merchants of Brighton, Ontario to promote the Brighton area, and the apple-based culture around it. It is now Brighton's largest yearly event, taking place annually during the last week of September. Now approaching its 35th year, it draws approximately 30,000 tourists.
The festival offers a variety of attractions. Its primary draw is its parade, and a street festival featuring fresh foods and local crafts. Other attractions include hayrides, a classic car show, live music, and a children's amusement park, in addition to a plethora of vendors selling local arts and crafts. It is an interesting slice of rural Ontario life.