Festival Schedule
Friday, October 4
1 p.m. – Cooking Contest Winners Announcement
4 p.m. – Shake it Like a Caveman
7 p.m. – Ali Randolph Band
Saturday, October 5
10 a.m. – Apple Decorating Contest Winners Announcement
12 p.m. – Tourism Project Unveiling Ceremony
4 p.m. – Reece Williams
6 p.m. – Marques Puckett and 8 Second Ride
Apple Festival Tennis Tournament
Tennis enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to enjoy the crisp autumn air and get a head start on the Unicoi County Apple Festival by participating in the revitalized Unicoi County Apple Festival Tennis Tournament. Previously a highlight of the festival in years past, the tennis tournament was last held in 2017 but was canceled in 2018 due to the condition of the tennis courts. The tournament is making a comeback this year, thanks to significant maintenance and repairs made to the courts, ensuring a top-notch experience for all participants.
This year’s tournament, which serves as a fundraiser for the Unicoi County High School tennis team, is one of a few Apple Festival events that begin before the celebration itself. This year, matches will kick off on Thursday, October 3, and run through Sunday, October 6.
Matches will be played at the new Unicoi County High School tennis courts (main site) and Fishery Park (secondary site). There will be 9-15 divisions to enter depending on ability and participation level.
An entry fee of $40 per player (for unlimited events) is required, and tournament registration will be accepted through Thursday, Sept. 26. All registered players will receive an Apple Festival Tennis Tournament T-Shirt. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in each division.
FOR ONLINE PAYMENT AND CONSTANT UPDATES AND ONLINE PAYMENT, PLEASE JOIN THE APPLE FESTIVAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT 2024 GROUPME.
Apple Festival Decorating Contest
Young artists will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity by decorating apples using various art mediums for a chance to win fantastic prizes during the Apple Decorating Contest. The contest is open to children ages 4-12, and entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and overall presentation. Participants are encouraged to let their imaginations run
wild and use any art materials they wish, such as construction paper, stickers, paint, or any other decorative elements, to transform their apples into works of art.
To participate, children must be between the ages of 4 and 12 and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when submitting their entries. Each child may submit only one decorated apple. Apples must be decorated in advance and brought to the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1.
To help inspire creativity and offer guidance, Town of Erwin Communications Director Valerie Bradley will host a special apple decorating workshop on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Erwin Town Hall. This workshop will provide children with the opportunity to learn new techniques and express their creativity under the guidance of experienced artists. Kids are encouraged to bring their own apples to the workshop, and all necessary art supplies will be provided. This event aims to foster artistic expression and community engagement, making it a perfect kick-off to the Unicoi County Apple Festival.
Participants may use any art medium of their choice, including construction paper, stickers, paint, markers, glitter, and fabric, but all decorations must be securely attached to the apple. Judging will be based on creativity, originality, and overall presentation. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries in each age category (4-6 years, 7-9 years, and 10-12 years), with winners announced on Saturday, October 5 during the Unicoi County Apple Festival. Prizes include gift certificates and festival merchandise.
All decorated apples will be displayed for public viewing, and participants may take their decorated apples home after the festival.
Apple Festival 4-Mile Road Race & 3K Race Walk
Runners from across the region will converge on the streets of Erwin on Saturday, Oct. 5 for the running of the Unicoi County Apple Festival 4-Mile Road Race and 3K Race Walk. The event will again be coordinated by the Unicoi County Family YMCA.
Pre-registration for the running event is $30 and $25 for the walk. All participants receive a souvenir T-shirt.
Professional race-timing will be managed by We Run Events. On-line registration is available at www.werunevents.com.
The event is held at the Unicoi County Family YMCA at the corner of Ohio Avenue and Love Street in Erwin. Contact the YMCA at (423) 743-3361 for more details.
Apple Festival Baking Contest
Apple, Spice, and Everything Nice-The 2024 Apple Festival Cooking Contest is here, so get ready to bring your A game!
On October 5, 2024, bring your favorite apple dish to the 2024 Unicoi County Apple Festival Cooking Contest, sponsored by the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce and UT Extension Unicoi County.
This year’s contest will be held at the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce Office in downtown Erwin. Entries will be accepted from 11am-12pm, with closed judging to begin at 12pm.
The three categories for the contest will be Apple Pie, Apple Cake, and Youth Candy Apple (ages 17 and under). Only one entry per category will be accepted. Entries for Apple Pie and Apple Cake categories must include at least one cup of apples, applesauce, or dried apples. A copy of the recipe must be included with the entry to qualify for judging. Youth candied apples must include all edible ingredients with a list of those ingredients. They will be judged on originality, display, and pairing with apples.
Prizes in each category will be $50 for first place, $30 for second place, $20 for third place. Winners will be announced on stage at 2:00pm.
For more information about the contest, call the Chamber of Commerce (423) 743-3000, UT Extension (423) 735-1637, or email Tracy Chandler, Extension Agent, at tpate6@utk.edu.
Blue Ridge Pottery Show & Sale
The National Blue Ridge Pottery Show and Sale is a must-see for collectors and enthusiasts of Blue Ridge Pottery. Rare pieces are often found during the show. Individual pieces and complete sets are available for sale during the event. Dozens of vendors from across the country will be represented during this year’s Blue Ridge Pottery Show and Sale.