





By Leah Hensley

Y ou say apple, I say apple, apple butter, apple cider, apple slushy, apple pie, apple sauce, apple fritters, apple fudge, apple brandy, apple crafts---- Je adore les pommes—I love apples---all types of apples, heirlooms, hybrids, early, late, sweet, tart, rustic, refined—Apples are an incredible fruit with ancient origins.



Last year the sun was out in force! In celebration of Orchardists in Northwest NC, the Brushy Mountain Ruritans organize and operates an event in true Community Servant Leadership style, The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, the first Saturday in October. It is one of the largest one day arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. It is the most profitable fund raising event for the Ruritans, along with 100 other churches and non-profit groups. Click below to read more....









What to expect you ask? I say, you can expect crowds, Appalachian Heritage crafts demonstrations, food, fun, music, and shopping with 425 arts and crafts vendors, 100 food concessions, and 4 different music stages, and weather with a cool or cold start to a very warm afternoon.

Pre-festival activities begin with “Apple Jam" at 6:00 PM on Friday night, with "live entertainment" at the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club’s Brushy Mountain Apple Festival Park. This is located at the corner of 10th and Main Streets. The entertainment is free on Friday and admission is free on Saturday.

On Saturday, avoid the crowds somewhat by arriving early and parking closer to the action.

Start the day as the foothills fog is rising with a chill in the air, the coffee is hot and there is hickory smoke in the air. Have breakfast, Country ham or a sausage biscuits are available. If you really want to go all “Appalachian Andrew Zimmern style”, I would recommend a liver mush biscuit with a hardy dollop of yellow mustard.

Now hit the streets for shopping. You can expect quant cutesy arts and crafts, to items of serious craftsmanship that one would expect in a juried only event. I love them all. I love to see how folks express themselves. I love to talk to them about their wares. Many say the Apple Festival is their most profitable event. I found the prices to be reasonable when compared to other similar events of this type. It is a great place to find handcrafted gifts for the holidays that are just around the corner.

The Heritage Demonstrations, music, and dance are pleasure to see while strolling the streets.

I am not so keen on the commercial products, however, I do understand that it is a convenience for shoppers. Everyone is so busy, if you can get more than one thing done, go for it.

Now after power browsing and shopping, it is time for a lunch break. The last time I attended there was nowhere to sit for lunch. That did not deter me. I have experienced some really good BBQ pork sandwiches at the festival. I have yet to have a good fried apple pie, actually, some have been down right awful. I find this comical; not finding a good fried apple pie at the Apple Festival. I will not be discouraged. I will continue my quest of a good fried apple pie. Every year that I attend, I feel I am getting closer to that elusive pristine fried apple pie. Maybe, this year is the year.

Before you leave, choosing a bag of apples to take home is a must. If you have an opportunity, go out into the Brushy Mountains to purchase your apples, a beautiful drive. Meet the Orchardists. If you have questions on taste, the best uses, ask these folks, they are a wealth of information.

Celebrate the wonderful heritage of the local Orchardists. If you don’t attend, visit one of the many Apple houses. Buy apples for yourself or donate fresh apples to your local food bank.

Really hope to see you there!





Leah







