Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

As autumn’s vibrant hues paint the East Tennessee landscape, the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 47th Annual Unicoi County Apple Festival. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4 and 5, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, the festival will once again transform downtown Erwin into a hub of seasonal celebration. The Unicoi County Apple Festival, drawing more than 120,000 annual attendees, has been consistently recognized as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 events, earning accolades such as four Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association Pinnacle Awards and the Johnson City Press Readers’ Choice Best Local Event from 2018 to 2022.

This year, the festival promises an enhanced experience with the introduction of two exciting new events: a Tennis Tournament and an Apple Decorating Contest. “We are thrilled to host the 47th Annual Unicoi County Apple Festival right here in the heart of downtown Erwin and delighted to announce exciting new additions such as the return of the beloved tennis tournament and the introduction of the apple decorating contest,” said Amanda Delp, Executive Director of the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce. “This annual festival truly showcases our community’s spirit and provides a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the fall season.” Festival-goers can expect an expanded lineup of activities over the two-day event. More than 400 artisans from across the nation will showcase their crafts, providing a diverse selection of unique gifts, home décor, and handcrafted items.

Attendees will also enjoy live music performances on the festival stage, featuring a variety of musical acts. Food enthusiasts will be delighted by an array of options available at two festival food courts, including both classic festival fare and local specialties. Apple-themed treats such as candy apples, fried apple pies, apple dumplings, and apple cider will be prominently featured.

Families will appreciate the large children’s area, located in the parking lot of Erwin Town Hall. This area will feature rides, inflatables, interactive games, and face painting, offering an interactive space for young festival-goers to explore and enjoy. The festival will also host several competitive activities and contests.

The UT Extension’s Apple Cooking Contest will take place on Friday, Oct. 4. Runners from across the country will compete in the Apple Festival 4-mile footrace and 2-mile race, coordinated by the Unicoi County Family YMCA walk on Saturday, Oct. 5. In addition to these exciting activities, this year’s festival will include The Nursing Nook LLC, providing a dedicated space for parents to feed their babies, change diapers, or take a break. To further enhance the festival experience, sign language interpreters, provided by Northeast State Community College, will be available at the stage area, making the event more inclusive and accessible for all attendees.

“Our goal is to make the Unicoi County Apple Festival a welcoming experience for everyone, which is why we are excited to introduce new features like The Nursing Nook and sign language interpreters this year,” added Delp. “These additions reflect our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that every attendee can enjoy the festival to the fullest.” The festival spans a 5-block area of downtown Erwin, including adjacent side streets. Attendees can easily access the event from Interstate 26, Exit 37, with several parking areas designated for festival use. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, festival organizers request that pets, bicycles, and skateboards not be brought onto the festival grounds. In addition to the festival activities, visitors are encouraged to explore the local business community of Erwin and Unicoi County. The area offers a range of shops, boutiques, and services, as well as stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Mark your calendars for this year’s Unicoi County Apple Festival and join us for a weekend of family fun and community celebration. For more information, please contact the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce at (423) 743-3000, visit our website at www.unicoicountyapplefestival.org, or stop by the Chamber office at 100 S. Main Ave., Erwin.