In an effort to keep people safe while still having fall fun, one apple orchard has created a drive-thru experience.
Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf held its 69th Annual Apple Festival Saturday. The proceeds go to benefit the school.
"I've been coming here since I was a kid," says Jeanette Distler, of Massapequa Park. "Every year, it's a tradition to come get the apples, cider, walk around and support the school. It's the biggest thing."
Organizers say they usually get tens of thousands of visitors for the event.
"We started with pretty much what it is today, very simply a couple of cars coming after church and picking apples from our orchard," Jillian Michaelson says.
This year, instead of customers coming to get their apples, volunteers bring the apples to their cars.
Because of social distancing guidelines, everyone has to wear masks and stay in their car. Some who came to get apples say they're disappointed they couldn't walk the grounds of the school with their families on the beautiful fall day.
However, those who come get apples every year say they're happy the school managed to keep the tradition going.
"I think they're doing a great job this year with having everyone come in," Distler says. "You can preorder online now, which I found out about when I got here, but I didn't wait that long – it's great."
The Apple Festival in Mill Neck continues tomorrow, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.