From Old Joe Clark Days to a national tradition: Apple Festival's growth continues to expand

Great traditions often begin with simple ideas. What starts as a small gathering, a shared vision or an effort to meet a community need can, over time, become something far greater than ever imagined. As Erwin celebrates its 150th anniversary, the 50-year period from 1976 to 2026 represents an era of remarkable progress for the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce and the community it serves. Perhaps no single initiative better illustrates that growth than the Unicoi County Apple Festival, an event that began with a handful of vendors and evolved into one of the Southeast's most recognized fall celebrations. The festival's story began in 1978, when apple growing was an important part of Unicoi County's agricultural economy, particularly in the southern end of the county. Recognizing the need to provide local growers with an opportunity to market their harvest, community leaders envisioned an event that would bring growers and customers together while celebrating the county's rich agricultural heritage.That vision became reality in the fall of 1978 with the first Old Joe Clark Day. Held around the Unicoi County Courthouse square in downtown Erwin, the one-day celebration featured about 12 vendors selling apples and other goods. Among the entertainment was Erwin native Old Joe Clark, a nationally recognized country entertainer whose Appalachian humor and musical performances had earned him a following well beyond his hometown. Born Manuel Dewey Clark Jr. in Erwin in 1922, Old Joe Clark built a successful entertainment career through his association with the renowned Renfro Valley Barn Dance in Kentucky. Known for his unique brand of humor and distinctive stage character, Clark also performed on the Grand Ole Opry, toured with prominent country and bluegrass entertainers, including Bill Monroe, and appeared in several motion pictures. His return to Erwin for the inaugural celebration brought a special connection. The first event proved successful, and in 1979, the celebration expanded to two days under the name Old Joe Clark Days. Vendor participation nearly doubled, growing to approximately 25 exhibitors. Although Clark did not return to perform that year, the celebration continued to build upon the success of its inaugural event. In 1980, the event was renamed Apple Days, reflecting the importance of the local apple harvest. The following year, in 1981, it became known as the Apple Festival, a name that would eventually become synonymous with autumn in Erwin. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the festival experienced steady growth, gradually expanding into the streets of downtown Erwin and attracting additional arts and crafts exhibitors, food vendors, entertainers, and visitors. With each passing year, the Chamber continued developing the event while preserving the hometown atmosphere that made it special. During this same period, the Chamber itself was evolving. In 1992, the organization purchased the historic Col. J. F. Toney Building at 100 South Main Avenue, establishing a permanent home in downtown Erwin. From this location, the Chamber expanded its work in business advocacy, community development, special events and tourism promotion, building partnerships that would strengthen the local economy for decades to come. As the festival's reputation grew, so did the importance of protecting its identity. In 2003, the name Unicoi County Apple Festival was established as a registered trademark, formally identifying the event with the Chamber and the community where it originated. By the beginning of the 21st century, the Apple Festival had firmly established itself as one of the region's premier fall celebrations, continuing to honor Unicoi County's agricultural heritage while attracting visitors from throughout the United States. The festival had become a major tourism attraction, introducing thousands of people to Erwin and Unicoi County each October. The festival's growth also brought significant recognition. Between 2000 and 2026, the Unicoi County Apple Festival was selected nine times as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. It also received multiple Pinnacle Awards from the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and was repeatedly recognized as a Readers' Choice favorite by the Johnson City Press. Today, the Unicoi County Apple Festival bears little resemblance in size to that first gathering in 1978. The two-day event transforms downtown Erwin into a celebration of the county's heritage, traditions, and community spirit, featuring more than 420 food and craft vendors, live entertainment, family activities, contests and special attractions. Annual attendance regularly exceeds 100,000 visitors, with the 2025 festival drawing an estimated 150,000 people, the largest crowd in its history. The economic impact extends well beyond the festival grounds. Visitors patronize local restaurants, shops, lodging establishments, and other businesses, while many discover the community's natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and small-town charm for the first time. For the Chamber, the festival has become one of its most important tourism marketing initiatives, generating exposure that reaches far beyond Unicoi County. Yet, despite nearly five decades of growth, the Apple Festival's original purpose remains an important part of its legacy. It was founded on the belief that bringing people together could create economic opportunities, celebrate local traditions, and strengthen the community. Those same principles continue guiding both the festival and the Chamber today. As Erwin celebrates 150 years of history, the Unicoi County Apple Festival stands as a remarkable example of what a community can accomplish through vision, perseverance and a shared commitment to progress. From its humble beginnings as Old Joe Clark Day to its position as one of the Southeast's premier fall festivals, its story is more than the history of an annual event. It is a reflection of Erwin itself – a community deeply rooted in its heritage, proud of its accomplishments and continually looking toward the future. ••• Amanda Delp is the Executive Director of the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce.