Contributed/Unicoi County Apple Festival

Unicoi County will host its 48th annual Apple Festival Oct. 2-3 in downtown Erwin.


The tradition began as a small gathering but has grown significantly over the years. This year’s festival will feature 420 vendors selling art, food, jewelry and more.


As the name suggests, apples are a focal point of the festival. 4 Foster Slushies will sell muscadine and apple slushies, Gourmet Apples & More will offer caramel apples, and Nolichucky Produce will sell locally grown apples.


Vendors will also sell items including slime, laser-engraved products, birdhouses, home decor and non-toxic hair products. While food and merchandise are available for purchase, admission to the festival is free.


The Blue Ridge Pottery Show will also take place at Love Chapel Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The show will feature rare and collectible pottery.


Erwin’s pottery history dates to 1916, and the tradition continues today with the Blue Ridge Pottery Show.


Other festival activities include a 4-mile run, live music, a cooking competition and an apple decorating contest. The variety of activities offers options for attendees of different ages and interests.

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