Posted in North Carolina October 13, 2020 by

The Apple Harvest Festival In North Carolina Is A Classic Fall Tradition

This year has taken quite a toll on annual festivals in North Carolina. We’ve missed them and hope things get back to normal very soon. However, one festival, the annual Apple Harvest Festival in Waynesville (taking place this Saturday, October 17th) is still on the calendar – albeit with a slightly modified agenda. If you’ve been missing festivals as much as we have, hit the road this weekend to Waynesville to a festival that’s implemented socially-distant measures to help keep visitors, vendors, and the community safe.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Consistently named one of the 10 Best Fall Festivals In The Country, the annual Apple Harvest Festival in the gorgeous mountain town of Waynesville, North Carolina, is a one-day event that's worth the journey from anywhere in the state.
Facebook/Haywood County Chamber of Commerce
In past years, attendance easily reached well over 10,000 visitors who flocked to Waynesville for the flurry of excitement.
Facebook/Haywood County Chamber of Commerce
The fall apple harvest is the star of the show at this annual event.
Michelle Shinners / Moment Collection via Getty Images
But this year's event will look different. So much so, that Waynesville decided to call this year's event Apple Harvest DAZE (instead of Apple Harvest Festival) because the event will be on a much smaller scale.
Facebook/Haywood County Chamber of Commerce
The event will also employ some key elements for keeping everyone safe.
Google Maps/Visit NC Smokies Media
One of them includes the use of stanchions down the middle of the street, creating one-way foot traffic paths for visitors to navigate through the event. Additionally, face covers are mandated for all vendors and workers, and visitors will be encouraged to wear them as well. Moreover, vendors will be required to sanitize their booths regularly to comply with the safety protocol. For a complete list of safety guidelines, you can see this link.
While many of the festival's key elements will be gone for this year, you can rest assured that you'll find fresh apple pie, apple tarts, turnovers, candy apples, and anything else tasty and made with apples at the event.
Ashley Corbin-Teich / Image Source Collection via Getty Images
Shop from local and regional artists to purchase something truly unique while also supporting local arts and crafts people. This segment of the art community, especially, has been hit very hard in 2020 since festivals have been cancelled due to the pandemic.
Facebook/Haywood County Chamber of Commerce
Apple Harvest Daze takes place this Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Waynesville.
Facebook/Haywood County Chamber of Commerce

Admission to Apple Harvest Daze in Waynesville, North Carolina, is absolutely free.

On your way into or out of town, be sure to head over to Big Creek Country Store. They don’t make ’em like this one anymore!

Address: Waynesville, NC 28786, USA