Red carpet adds flair to Mars Applefest’s community celebration

With Madonna’s “Vogue” playing in the background, models walked a makeshift red-carpet runway outside FYIE Boutiques Fall Fashion Show as owner Josette Gastonguay emceed—a touch of New York-style fashion in downtown Mars.

The outdoor show celebrated the boutique’s first anniversary while adding something different to Mars Applefest on Saturday, Oct. 3. Across downtown, visitors browsed vendor booths, sampled festival food and caught up with friends and neighbors.

For Josette, whose boutique was participating in its second Applefest, the runway show grew out of conversations with friends and vendors about marking a year in business.

“Let’s celebrate! We’ve been here for one year. Let’s do it, we’re a fashion boutique!” she said.

Among the runway participants was Dr. Elizabeth Carter, an author, speaker and coach whose book is sold at the boutique. Carter also planned an afternoon book signing.

Asked whether she had ever imagined herself on a runway in Mars, Carter replied, “Not at Mars, but on a runway, absolutely.”

Beyond the fun of the show, Carter said she appreciated the opportunity to support women and celebrate the confidence they can find in what they wear.

“When we look good, we feel good, we walk differently,” she said.

Josette welcomed the response from festival visitors.

“I’m so happy with all the support that Mars is coming out and bringing to our amazing ladies,” she said.

The fashion show was one part of a festival offering everything from apple treats to clothing, crafts and children’s activities. Visitors could choose from pies, turnovers, cider and dumplings, along with funnel cakes, pizza, cookies and cupcakes. Booths displayed Mars-themed apparel and merchandise, while activities included axe throwing and apple bobbing.

Local businesses and community organizations shared space throughout the festival. Participants included Mars Agway, UPMC Rehabilitation, Novel Breads, the Mars Rotary Club and the Mars Masonic Temple, along with political organizations and other vendors.

Cindy Fleeson, a Mars Rotary Club member who helps organize the festival, said she has attended Applefest for 15 years and watched its popularity grow.

“Oh, I think that people really look forward to it. I can tell by the turnout!” Fleeson said.

She estimated that last year’s festival drew between 9,000 and 10,000 people.

Mars Mayor Gregg Hartung also staffed a booth where residents could ask questions and pick up information about the proposed merger of Mars Borough and Adams Township.

For Hartung, Applefest offered a reminder of the connections that already exist between the neighboring communities.

“It draws both people from Mars and Adams together,” he said. “It’s just a great place for people to gather and have friends and family and everybody come enjoy themselves.”

That spirit extended from the vendor booths to the boutique’s red carpet, where a business milestone became part of the town’s annual gathering.

As Fleeson put it: “It’s a great place for people to connect. And it’s also a nice showcase for the businesses in Mars.”