About the Festival
The North Carolina Apple Festival is held annually over Labor Day Weekend in Hendersonville, North Carolina. It has been Western North Carolina’s Premier Family Festival for over 80 years.
Why do we celebrate our apples here in Henderson County?
The apple has been called the loveliest of all fruits. It is also one of the most important agricultural crops grown in Henderson County. During a normal year it brings in an average income of $30 million dollars or more. Growing apples has been part of Henderson County’s culture and heritage since the mid 1700s. North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state in the nation and Henderson County grows 80% of this state’s crop.
The North Carolina Apple Festival is proud to include 14 local apple growers in the Street Fair. You can purchase a few apples or bushels of fresh locally grown apples. Many of the growers also feature items such as fried apple pies, apple cakes, apple butter and apple cider at the Festival.
OUR MISSION:
The mission of the North Carolina Apple Festival is to celebrate and promote the significance of apples, apple growers, and the apple industry to Henderson County and the state of North Carolina. Through a vibrant, family-friendly event held annually over Labor Day weekend, the festival fosters community pride, supports local agriculture, and showcases the rich heritage and economic impact of apple production in our region.
OUR APPLE GROWERS:
You can find out information on the North Carolina and Henderson County Apple Growers by visiting the following websites:
The Apple Ambassador represents the North Carolina Apple Festival and the North Carolina Apple Growers Association. The ambassador program selects the recipients of the Evelyn Lutz Hill Memorial Scholarships. A $2,000.00 college scholarship is awarded to the ambassador and a $1,500.00 scholarship is awarded to the first runner-up. The Apple Ambassador Scholarship is open to all rising seniors enrolled in Henderson County Public Schools or home-schooled.
2026 Apple Ambassador
“It is a true honor to be named the 2026 North Carolina Apple Festival Ambassador. I have always dreamed of being part of the Apple Ambassador float, and I remember riding on the Pat’s School of Dance float as a young dancer, which makes this moment even more special. Being able to go from that experience to now serving as Ambassador feels like a meaningful accomplishment, and I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent our community.”
- Haley Marshall
The Apple Festival Board & STAFF:
Vicki Gunning, President
Josh English, Immediate Past President
Paula Roberts, 1st Vice President
Renee Elrod, Treasurer
Geraldine Lamb, Secretary
Colby Buchanan, Assistant Treasurer
John Shepherd, Executive Board Member
Mark Shepherd, Executive Board Member
Cheryl Gudger Thompson, Executive Board Member
Mike Elrod, Executive Board Member
April Freeman
Carol Ann Surrett
Dawn Creasman
John Connet
Ruthie Woodruff
Gwenn Lanning
Connie Babcock
Chasity Corn
Jamie Thompson
Pat Shepherd
Jimmy Gunning
Lee Henderson Hill
Meg Penny
Magali Perales
Mike Morgan
Staff:
Summer Stipe
Fundraising, Marketing & Administrative Coordinator (Contract)