The Great Patch Annual Fruit Fight - A Sticky Sweet Tradition

The Great Patch Fruit Fight

It's that time of year again at The Patch - the annual Great Fruit Fight is here! This beloved tradition brings the community together for some friendly competition and fruit-flinging fun. Two teams, the Apples and the Oranges, face off in an epic battle to claim fruit supremacy. Excitement is in the air as spectators line the sidelines, cheering on their favorite fruit platoon. Let's take a closer look at this cherished custom and why it's so popular every year.

The History

The Great Patch Fruit Fight originated decades ago as a lighthearted way to bring neighbors together during the harvest season. Back then, it was a modest affair with just a few crates of overripe fruit to throw. Over the years it evolved into an elaborate event drawing participants from all over to take part. These days, meticulous planning goes into the fruit fight preparations - with creative "weapons" handcrafted for maximum splattering abilities!

Getting Ready for Battle

Weeks before the event, excitement starts building in The Patch. Volunteers work tirelessly to collect surplus fruit from local orchards and farms. Apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries - you name it! This bounty of ammo is stored until showtime. The fruits of choice are apples and oranges, for the two dueling teams. Participants plan fun costumes and craft clever fruit launching contraptions. Favorites include fruit catapults, slingshots, and even water gun fruit injectors!

The Main Event

Finally, the big day arrives. The Apple and Orange teams gather at the "battlefield" - a wide open area specifically set up for the fruit frenzy. Thousands of spectators grab seats on the surrounding grassy hills and bleachers, donning ponchos and eyewear for protection. At noon, the announcer officially starts the Great Patch Fruit Fight, and both sides let loose their fruity artillery. The air fills with soaring strawberries, bananas, and grapes. Apples and oranges whiz by in a blur of color and chaos.

For an hour, fruit flies and juice rains down as the teams advance and retreat across the battlefield. By the end, everyone is spent, covered in sticky sweetness and laughing hysterically. Volunteers move in with hoses and buckets to clean up the remnants and start prepping for next year's event.

Why It's So Popular

What makes the Great Patch Fruit Fight such a beloved event? For one, it provides carefree, zany fun that appeals to people of all ages. It also brings the community together, fostering connections between neighbors. Business owners love the exposure and tourism dollars it attracts. Additionally, no fruits go to waste since the "ammo" would otherwise rot on farms. The fruit fight is also a great way for local orchards to promote their harvests.

There's just something giggle-inducing about seeing serious adults pelting each other with fruits and veggies. The colorful splats and bursts of juice create a one-of-a-kind spectacle. People appreciate the chance to let loose and act a bit foolishly. The event has become a creative outlet and day of community bonding that locals look forward to each year.

Get Involved!

Want to join in the fun? All are welcome to participate in the Great Patch Fruit Fight. You can register as an individual to join one of the teams. Volunteers are also needed to help with preparation, ammo stockpiling, battlefield setup, and post-fight cleanup. Spectators should arrive early to snag a prime spot with a view. Be sure to wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself.

If fruit flinging isn't your style, no worries! There are still ways to get involved. Some set up food and drink stands at the event or sell protective ponchos and eyewear. Others prefer to cheer from the hillsides and take photos. However you choose to take part, you'll be helping continue this wacky local tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Great Patch Fruit Fight held?

The Great Patch Fruit Fight takes place every year in mid-August at Fruit Fling Fields located just outside of town. Check the event website for the exact date and location details.

What safety precautions should spectators take?

Spectators should come prepared wearing closed-toe shoes, protective eyewear, and ponchos or old clothing that can get stained. Sitting up on the grassy hills is safest, but bleachers with protective netting are also available. Bringing a towel to wipe off juice splatters is also a good idea.

Can kids participate in the fruit fight?

Yes, children are welcome to take part in the Great Patch Fruit Fight! However, parents must sign a waiver and supervise their children at all times. Kids under 6 years old should remain in the spectator section for safety.

What happens if it rains on the day of the event?

The fruit fight happens rain or shine! In the case of severe weather like lightning, the event may be postponed to the rain date the following weekend. But light-to-moderate rain makes for even more slippery splatting fun.

Where does all the ammo fruit come from?

The fruit is donated by supportive local orchards, farms, grocers, and produce distributors. They provide fruits that would otherwise go to waste, like overripe or slightly blemished apples and oranges. This helps prevent food waste while supplying ample ammo.

Is alcohol allowed at the fruit fight?

Outside alcohol is prohibited at the event. However, there are some concession stands selling beer and wine

FAQs

How are the teams selected?

Participants register individually ahead of time. The teams are selected randomly to keep them evenly matched and the competition fun and fair.

Are pets allowed at the fruit fight?

For safety reasons, we ask that pets do not attend the event. The noise and fruit projectiles can startle them. Service animals are permitted with proper identification.

Is there an age limit to participate?

There's no upper age limit, but all participants must be at least 6 years old. Kids under 16 need parental consent to join a fruit fight team.

What should I wear to the fruit fight?

Old T-shirts, shorts, and closed-toe shoes work best. Avoid nice clothes that could get stained. Wear eye protection and a hat for more coverage.

When does registration open for teams?

Registration typically opens in early summer, around 2 months before the event. Check the website in June for details and to sign up.