Fans discuss annual celebration's broad allure

The Unicoi County Apple Festival is a special time for many reasons to Unicoi County residents and visitors from throughout the United States, but the reasons for the festival's appeal are quite varied.Many of the festival faithful missed the event, which had to be cancelled in the wake of devastating flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.But to the joy of many, the festival is returning in 2025. The Erwin Record delved into the reasons for the Apple Festival's widespread appeal. Here are some responses from fans of the festival.Erwin resident Elizabeth Yarber considers the festival a chance for reunion."We get to see our friends that have moved away and come to visit families and there are class reunions going on," Yarber said. "You enjoy seeing friends and get to meet people from different places that came to the Apple Festival. Plus don't forget the good food like the chicken on the stick."Donna Leigh Miller Booker, an Erwin native and current resident of Pensacola, Florida, echoed Yarber's sentiments."Definitely a great time to see family," Booker said. "Possibly some friends and go see Blue Ridge pottery. All three of which we saw all our lives growing up in Erwin."Author and Erwin native Lou Knight is pleased to have the festival returning."I'm happy to see the Apple Festival is back after Helene's destruction last year," Knight said. "It was horrible to watch the news, knowing how people were suffering."Knight predicted that the festival may be crowded with more people coming out as a show of support to the community.Knight released her debut novel, "Shadows from the Past," in 2024. She has recently released a sequel, "The Fallout of Deception."Unicoi County Register of Deeds Debbie Tittle praised the festival's broad appeal."The festival seems to be so diverse and has something of interest for everyone," Tittle said. "To me it is a huge homecoming celebration. It has an aura of the anticipation and excitement of fall in our valley beautiful."Kelly Story, the manager of local events venue The Bramble, waxed nostalgic about the festival."Many in our community view the Apple Festival as part of our tradition," Story said. "During my preteen and teen years, my friends and I spent that weekend running through the festival streets having a blast – eating classic festival food, playing games, jumping in the bounce house and shopping. Fond memories. It's embedded in our minds as a great time to catch up with people, support small businesses and reconnect with our town."Vern Miller, an Erwin native currently residing in Huntsville, Alabama, looks forward to trips home to attend the festival."My biggest like about the festival is that it is a homecoming event," he said. "I can see people I haven't seen in years. I have a lot of memories and pictures of past festivals. I also like the idea of having the Blue Ridge dinnerware show in conjunction with the festival. I can share a lot of history with the people. Exciting weekend for me."Isaac Harris, a singer/songwriter and recording artist, is an Erwin native currently living in Nashville as he pursues a career in the music industry.He will also make his debut as an Apple Festival performer this year."The Apple Festival brings a small town like Erwin to life in such a big way," Harris said. "It's amazing to see a close-knit community put together a festival that attracts people from all over."For me, it's especially sentimental because my parents used to take me every year when I was growing up," he added. "Those memories of walking the streets, enjoying the fried apple pies, and experiencing the excitement with family have stayed with me and I love seeing our town's generations experiencing this tradition."Harris added, "It's more than just a festival—it's a celebration of community, heritage, and family memories. And did I mention the fried apple pies? Extra emphasis, please, on the fried apple pies."Actress Allison Guinn, an Erwin native who has landed roles on Broadway and on television, shared memories about the festival."I would say the Apple Festival is the epitome of the American small town fall experience," Guinn said. It's the perfect fall weekend!"Guinn is currently appearing in the play "Huzzah!" in San Diego, California, through Oct. 19.Erwin Alderman Michael Baker believes the festival is more than just a fun event."The Apple Festival is so appealing because it's more than just an event — it's a celebration of who we are as a community," said Baker, who is also a local business owner.In fact, Baker and his wife, Tara, opened their Union Street Taproom in October of 2018, coinciding with that year's Apple Festival."It brings together our small-town charm, local artisans, musicians and, of course, the best food and apples you'll find anywhere," Baker said."What makes it truly special is the sense of togetherness it creates," he added. "Friends, families and visitors from all over come to Erwin to experience the hospitality, traditions, and pride that make our town unique. It's a festival that highlights not only our apples but also our culture, our businesses and the welcoming spirit of our people."Jenna Lafever, co-owner of The Plant Palace in Erwin, loves the treats that are available during the two-day event."We love all the vendors and people at Apple Festival, but there's nothing better than a fresh fried apple pie," she said.After the forced hiatus of 2024, it's time to be thankful for the community's continued recovery from Helene and enjoy everything apple. The 2025 Unicoi County Apple Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3-4.