The 48th Annual Unicoi County Apple Festival is set to take place on October 3-4, 2023, in downtown Erwin, Tennessee. Organized by the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, the festival will run from 08:00 to 20:00 each day. This year’s event is particularly significant as it follows the cancellation of last year’s festival due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
Executive Director Amanda Delp expressed the festival’s importance in light of recent challenges. “This year feels especially meaningful,” she stated. “After the devastation our community faced last fall, bringing the Apple Festival back is not just about tradition — it’s about resilience, joy, and celebrating everything that makes Unicoi County strong.”
Exciting New Features and Activities
The festival will retain beloved traditions while introducing fresh elements. Notably, the Gospel Stage will return after a hiatus since 2019, featuring uplifting performances throughout the weekend. In collaboration with Food City, the festival will kick off with a special breakfast honoring the vendors, volunteers, and emergency personnel who contribute to the event’s success.
A new addition this year is the Apple Decorating Contest, designed for children to express their creativity by decorating apples in imaginative ways. The opening ceremony on October 3 at noon will unveil a new tourism project aimed at enhancing the downtown area, with details shared on how it will benefit both the community and visitors.
To accommodate families, The Nursing Nook LLC will provide a dedicated space for parents to feed and care for their babies. Sign language interpreters will also be available, thanks to a partnership with Northeast State Community College, ensuring the festival is inclusive for all attendees.
“Our goal is to make the Unicoi County Apple Festival a welcoming experience for everyone,” Delp added. “These additions reflect our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that every attendee can enjoy the festival to the fullest.”
A Vibrant Community Celebration
Festival-goers can anticipate a wide array of activities, featuring over 400 artisans and exhibitors displaying unique crafts, gifts, and handmade items. Live music will fill the air on the Main Street Stage, showcasing a variety of genres including country, bluegrass, and rock. Food enthusiasts will have plenty of choices at two food courts, offering both classic festival fare and apple-themed treats like fried apple pies and fresh apple cider.
Children will find a dedicated area near Erwin Town Hall filled with rides, inflatables, face painting, and interactive games. The festival’s signature events include the Apple Cooking Contest on Friday, where bakers will compete to create the best apple pies and cakes, and the Apple Festival 4-Mile Footrace and 2-Mile Walk on Saturday, attracting participants from across the country.
Spanning five blocks in downtown Erwin, the festival is conveniently accessible from Interstate 26, Exit 37, with designated parking areas available. Organizers request that pets, bicycles, and skateboards be left at home to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.
“The Apple Festival is more than an event — it’s a tradition that connects our community and welcomes visitors into the heart of Unicoi County,” Delp emphasized. “With the return of the Gospel Stage, new partnerships, and a major announcement, we believe this will be one of the most memorable festivals yet.”
Visitors are encouraged to explore the local businesses in Erwin and Unicoi County, which offer a variety of shops, boutiques, and scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains.
Mark your calendars for October 3-4 and join the community for a weekend filled with family fun, cherished traditions, and celebration. For more information, contact the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce at 423-743-3000, visit UnicoiCountyAppleFestival.com, or stop by the chamber office located at 100 South Main Avenue, Erwin.
