North Carolina Apple Festival Set to Draw 250,000 Visitors to Hendersonville Over Labor Day Weekend
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – Downtown Hendersonville is expected to welcome at least 250,000 visitors this Labor Day weekend as the 79th North Carolina Apple Festival kicks off, bringing orchards, food vendors, and families together for one of the state’s most celebrated fall traditions.
A Festival Rooted in Resilience
This year’s theme, “Orchard Roots, Mountain Spirit,” highlights Henderson County’s recovery following Hurricane Helene last September. Apple growers say the festival is proof the region’s orchards remain strong despite weather challenges.
“I think everybody has Helene on their mind, and we’re about a year removed from that,” said Josh English, festival board president. “This is our statement of, ‘Hey, we’re still here. We’re open for business.’”
Apple orchards like Creasman Farms are featured at the event, showcasing this season’s crop. “We’ve had some weather anomalies, but we’re bouncing back from that. When you farm, that’s just part of it,” grower Dawn Creasman explained.
What Visitors Can Expect
Fourteen orchards are represented at this year’s festival, filling downtown Hendersonville with classic apple treats and harvest favorites:
- Caramel apple slices
- Apple cider slushies
- Apple fritters and donuts
Festivalgoer Wendy Castrillon said her family looks forward to the food every year. “Every time the Apple Festival is on, you have apple fritters, apple donuts and apple slushies. These are my daughter’s favorite,” she shared.
Economic and Community Impact
English emphasized that apples remain a cornerstone of Henderson County’s economy. Beyond the financial impact, residents see the festival as a way to celebrate their resilience.
“This is really nice to just see how the community of North Carolina, especially western North Carolina, has banded together and hasn’t lost their enthusiasm,” said Sage Cass, a festival attendee.
The event also symbolizes renewal after difficult years. “We’ve had a lot of trauma in the last couple of years, and so we’re just showing people that we’re mountain strong,” Creasman said.
Events and Schedule
The festival, which has closed several blocks of Hendersonville’s Main Street, runs through Labor Day. Activities include food vendors, live entertainment, and crafts, culminating with the King Apple Parade on Monday.
Festival hours extend until 9:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the celebration.
Do you think community festivals like Hendersonville’s Apple Festival play a big role in keeping North Carolina’s mountain culture alive? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
