Community News

Apple Festival is back to celebrate 75th anniversary

Fourteen apple stands will be a part of the 75th annual Apple Festival on Labor Day weekend.

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 18, 2021

After a year off during pandemic restrictions, the North Carolina Apple Festival returns to Main Street this year in time to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

Beginning Friday, Sept. 3, and continuing through Labor Day, festivities include a street fair, live music, a parade, a kids’ carnival, pancake breakfasts, a recipe contest, apple taste testing, foot races, aircraft rides and a gem and mineral show.
“You can bring your grandchildren or your grandparents to the Apple Festival, and they’ll enjoy it,” says David Nicholson, executive director of the festival. “Once we get set up on Friday, I love to walk the streets and watch people of all ages having a good time.”
After missing last year, festival organizers, farmers and attendees are excited for the return of this Hendersonville hallmark that honors the local apple crop. Henderson County leads the state in apple production and consistently ranks within the Top 20 counties nationwide. Many orchards have become destinations with a slew of agritourism offerings.
Fourteen local apple growers participate in the festival, selling fresh apples, as well as cider, slushies, doughnuts, fritters and other confections. In addition to fresh apples, the street fair showcases handmade arts and crafts. One-third of this year’s crafts vendors are new to the festival.
Live music takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. on stage at the Historic Courthouse. Headliners include Buddy K Big Band on Friday, Flashback on Saturday, and on Sunday, The Super 60s followed by The Mighty Kicks. The King Apple Parade serves as the grand finale on Monday at 2:30 p.m., with special emphasis on community members who have played critical roles throughout the pandemic.
The opening ceremony at 4 p.m. Friday includes a tribute to the festival’s 75th anniversary and presentation of the Apple Farmer of the Year Award. At noon on Saturday, the Bandit Flight Team performs a patriotic aerial salute with a six-plane flyover above Main Street.
“People tell me all the time that their first introduction to Hendersonville was the Apple Festival,” Nicholson says. “But then they tell me about all the things they come back to do like shop at local stores or eat at downtown restaurants.”
For additional information about the North Carolina Apple Festival, including a full schedule of events, go to www.NCAppleFestival.org. To learn more about Hendersonville and explore lodging options: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or (800) 828-4244.