Lincoln County Apple Festival

52nd Annual Lincoln County Apple Festival

The Lincoln County Apple Festival attracts more than 25,000+ visitors to charming downtown Lincolnton every September. Its beginnings weren’t so grand, and the creators would never have imagined what the Apple Festival would eventually become.

The Festival was planted when Home Economics Agent Melinda Houser joined Lincoln County Cooperative Extension. She’d seen a very successful and popular strawberry festival in eastern North Carolina, so why couldn’t Lincoln County showcase apples?

So in September 1972, along with then Agricultural Extension Agent Howard Waynick and local apple growers, the county’s first Apple Festival was held at Boger City United Methodist Church and attracted about 300 visitors.

The next two Festivals were held in the National Guard Armory, including entertainment and exhibits. With attendance and related activities increasing, the need

for larger facilities prompted a move to West Lincoln High School in 1975, where food and craft vendors participated, along with outstanding local entertainment.