09/27/2026
It’s taken us the day to find the words to talk about yesterday. ❤️
There were so many emotions throughout the day—happy, proud, emotional and, of course, some sadness. But together, we all got through it.
We want to send a huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported us, whether you stopped by to see us on the street or visited us back at the market. Your kind words, hugs, smiles and support mean more to us than we can put into words. We truly appreciate each and every one of you. ❤️🍎
A very special thank you to the Brighton Applefest for having us back again this year and for the beautiful tribute to our husband, father, father-in-law, Grandpie and employer. It was absolutely perfect and meant so much to our family. ❤️
For anyone who didn’t get the opportunity to hear the beautiful tribute yesterday, we have included it below. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it and learn a little more about the man who meant—and continues to mean—so much to all of us Farmer Dave, David, Dave, Dad and Grandpie
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️
Before we officially begin this year's Applefest, I would like to take a few minutes to remember someone who was a very important part of this festival and of the apple industry that we are here to celebrate today.
Many of you knew him simply as Farmer Dave.
Dave Cheer.
Dave passed away earlier this year, and we felt that it was important that we take a moment today, here at Applefest, to recognize his contribution and his memory.
For Dave, farming wasn't simply a job.
It was a way of life.
Together with his wife, Loraine, and their daughters, Kimberly and Jennifer, Dave helped build Cheer Farms into a much-loved Brighton asset.
Cheer Farms represents the very things that Applefest celebrates: apples, family, local business, hard work and community.
And Dave was a big part of bringing those things together.
For many years, Cheer Farms has been an important part of Applefest.
I’m sure most of you know the story of Dave arriving before dawn on Applefest morning, setting up with a flashlight while most of Brighton was still asleep.
I think that image captures Dave perfectly.
While the rest of us were waiting for the festival to begin, Dave was already at work.
And that's what Dave did.
He showed up.
He worked hard.
He helped others.
And he gave it everything he had.
Dave understood that Applefest wasn't just about apples.
It was about bringing people together.
It's about celebrating the farmers who grow our food, the businesses that support our community, the volunteers who make events like this possible, and the families who come together year after year.
That spirit is very much alive here today.
So, as we open this year's Applefest, we do so with a little bit of gratitude and remembrance.
We remember Dave Cheer—not only as a farmer, but as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, neighbour and community builder.
We remember his contribution to Brighton agriculture.
And we remember Cheer Farms.
To Loraine, Kimberly, Jennifer, and the entire Cheer family: please know that Dave's contribution to this community has not been forgotten.
His legacy is part of Brighton.
And it is part of the story of Applefest.
So today, as we celebrate the harvest, the farmers, the volunteers, the businesses and the community that make this festival possible, let's take a quiet moment to remember Dave Cheer
Now, in Dave's memory, and in the spirit of everything that makes Brighton and Applefest so special—let's celebrate.
Welcome to Brighton Applefest!
