Apples help define fall in Western North Carolina, where the fruit was introduced in the 18th century by (legend says) William Mills, a major in the British Army. He settled in Henderson County, but Haywood County boasts its own long tradition of growing apples and will celebrate both the fruit and the season with the 26th annual Apple Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18.
Coordinated by the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, the event will fill the streets of downtown Waynesville with live music and clogging performances; children’s activities; more than 175 art, craft and food vendors and, of course, plenty of fresh Haywood County apples.
It seems like a good plan to head to this event hungry — organizers promise plenty of locally made apple cider, tarts, pies, muffins and cookies that will be for sale all along Main Street. Entertainment will include old-school bluegrass music by Bobby & Blue Ridge Tradition and Whitewater Bluegrass, plus a folk/country performance by Simple Folk.
Both the Green Valley Cloggers and the Southern Appalachian Cloggers will dance at various times throughout the day on the main stage in the parking lot of United Community Bank. A dedicated children’s area will be set up in the park on Depot Street.
WHAT
Haywood Apple Harvest Festival
haywoodapplefest.com
WHERE
Downtown Waynesville
WHEN
Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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