Apple Butter, Appalachian Traditions on Display at Apple Festival October 13

Story by Anna Oakes

The Apple Festival at Hickory Ridge Homestead in Boone, to be held Saturday, October 13, is a post-Revolutionary War exhibition of autumn traditions.

The festival is one of the major events held each year at the Homestead, a museum that portrays the period immediately following the Revolutionary War through the early 1800s. The Southern Appalachian Historical Association, producers of Horn in the West, operates the Homestead.

The 27-year-old festival lasts from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Homestead grounds. Parking is available at the Daniel Boone Gardens on Horn in the West Drive.

Kay Sigmon, administrative assistant for the Historical Association, said the Homestead cabins will be open, and volunteers in period costume will prepare apple butter, make candles, demonstrate blacksmithing and teach about other customs of the era.

Sometimes, demonstrators will ask audience members to assist with the demonstrations.

A number of vendors will offer crafts and foods for sale, and musicians will provide entertainment.

Hatchet throwing and apple pie eating contests will add a little competitive edge to the day.

The Apple Festival, a celebration of the apple harvest, is always held the last Saturday in October. Admission is free.

The Homestead museum is the site of other events throughout the year, including a traditional Fourth of July celebration, a book sale and Olde Christmas.

The Southern Appalachian Historical Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachian region. It receives support from the Town of Boone and more than 1,000 local businesses.

For more information about the event, call the Historical Association at 828-264-2120 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.