'Huge a part of the tradition right here': 76th NC Apple Pageant welcomes hundreds downtown – KTVZ

By Samiar Nefzi

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    HENDERSONVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Organizers of the annual North Carolina Apple Pageant stated Saturday, Sept. 3 that to this point, hundreds have taken to the streets of downtown Hendersonville for the occasion.

The 76th Annual North Carolina Apple Pageant kicked off Friday, Sept. 2. Greater than 250,000 persons are anticipated to attend the four-day occasion.

“We began with an important apple crop,” stated Mark Shepherd, the primary vp of the N.C. Apple Pageant. “Apples right here in Henderson County; that’s a giant a part of the county and tradition right here.”

“I’ve all the time loved it,” stated Corey Justus, proprietor of Justus Orchard. “It’s quite a lot of work and hours that go into it.”

‘Huge a part of the tradition right here’: 76th NC Apple Pageant welcomes hundreds downtown

This 12 months, 13 native orchards are attending the pageant, as newcomers to the road occasion combine with veteran distributors.

“Final 12 months was our first 12 months,” stated Freddie Rhodes, of Rhodes Farm.

It’s not stunning to see cider slushies on the pageant or cider donuts — as each are favorites amongst festivalgoers.

Rhodes advised Information 13 he determined to carry newer creations like Apple Logs and Apple Fries — as there isn’t any actual restrict to creativity!

“Something made out of apples you possibly can eat,” stated Rhodes.

The pageant permits the group to come back collectively and have a good time the harvest season and the agricultural impression of Henderson County on the map.

“Henderson County produces 80% of the apples in North Carolina,” stated Shepherd. “North Carolina is the seventh largest apple producer within the nation.”

Shepherd advised Information 13 the occasion on common generates about $12 million over the course of its four-day run.

The enjoyable continues all weekend and wraps up with the King Apple Parade on Monday, Sept. 5, at 2:30 p.m.

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