North Carolina Apple Festival
For more than seventy years, the best known street fair in the Carolinas has been filling up Hendersonville’s Main Street. The North Carolina Apple Festival dates back to 1938 when Henderson County celebrated its’ 100th birthday, “Henderson County Centennial Celebration.” It was first called the Apple Blossom Festival in April, 1947. World War II was the only thing that could put a hold on these festivities. After a short break, the festival lasted a week to ten days until the mid-1980s. Apples are North Carolina’s most important crop. The state is the 7th largest apple producing state in the country. Henderson County produces 85% of that important crop. Festival goers can sample forty varieties of apples. I never knew there were that many different kinds of apples!
The North Carolina Apple Festival features four fun filled days this year, Friday Aug. 30 – Monday Sept. 2. Opening ceremonies will take place 2:15, Friday, in Historic Courthouse Square. Before heading to the Square, you will want to stop in First United Methodist Church between 7am-10am. That’s where you can enjoy a pancake breakfast (you know apples will be served in some form or fashion). There’s another breakfast with the Elks Sunday, 7am-12pm at 546 N. Justice Street. Fourteen local growers will cook up all things apple including pies, cakes, apple butter, and cider.
The Entertainment Stage will feature music, magic, and more all weekend. The best way to be sure to catch your favorites is to check out their website. Wells Fargo Bank brings you the Family Fun Zone at Wells Fargo Bank and the Visitors Center. I recommend you hit this spot last, as the children won’t want to leave the rides and inflatables! Maybe the most important volunteer group is the Christian Motorcycle Group. They are the folks who keep the bathrooms clean on 5th Ave. West, 1st Ave. East & Main, 3rd Ave. & Main and Barnwell Street West & Main. Three first-aid locations will be scattered throughout the festival. Plan to visit the Food Court several times during your day. It’s on Main Street in front of Wells Fargo Bank.
After the parade, follow Main right out of Hendersonville, straight into Flat Rock. This historic town was once called, “Little Charleston.” The wealthy often traveled from coastal towns to the mountains for relief from hot summers in the south. Read more about that here! Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!