By Anna Jorstad
Considered the signature fall event of Haywood County, the 28th Annual Apple Harvest Festival will take place in charming downtown Waynesville on Saturday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each year, the historic festival draws thousands of hungry patrons during the height of harvest season for a taste of all things apple.
Haywood County’s agricultural roots run deep, with more than 700 working farms in the county. With apples being a major crop here, the Apple Harvest Festival is not just a popular event, but an annual heritage celebration.
“Haywood County has historically been a welcome home to apple farmers as evidenced by the old trees still bearing fruit in protected areas like Cataloochee Valley and at the John Ferguson Cabin at Purchase Knob,” says Tina Masciarelli, Buy Haywood project coordinator. “Cool temperatures and fertile soil in Western North Carolina provide perfect growing conditions for apples.”
The event has become an iconic tradition for locals and visitors alike, signaling that fall has arrived in the mountains of Western North Carolina. “Now in its 28th year, the festival is a celebration of the beauty of the harvest season in Haywood County,” says Cece Hipps, president of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce.
The festival takes place among the charming tree-lined shops, galleries, and restaurants of Waynesville’s historic downtown Main Street district. Featured are handmade arts and crafts, locally grown apples and apple products for sale, food vendors of all types, education and information booths, authentic mountain music and local heritage dance groups.
“The Chamber of Commerce loves playing host to such a wide variety of local talent—from apple growers to musicians to cloggers and other entertainers,” says Hipps. “At every turn there is something fun going on, delicious flavors to savor and that one-of-a-kind handmade keepsake that just can’t be found elsewhere.”
Main Street remains closed during the event, giving way to the small-town nostalgia of the festival, reminiscent of seasons gone by. “The festival has really grown into a multi-generational event,” says Hipps. “We welcome visitors who say they came to the Apple Harvest Festival as a child and are now bringing their children to enjoy our beautiful historic downtown and make new memories.”
For more information visit haywoodapplefest.com.
