21 Sep Unicoi County Greets Autumn With Two Giant Festivals In October
Apple Festival & Southeastern Autorama To Be At Full Tilt In 2021
Two of the top tourism draws for Unicoi County happen soon with more than 100,000 expected to celebrate the county’s Apple Festival and the 2021 edition of the Southeastern Autorama!
According to Amanda Bennett, Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, more than 350 vendors are slated for the October 1-2 event in downtown Erwin.
It’s an economic boom for the county who welcomes residents and visitors to two days of fun on the streets with everything from Coffee Ridge apples to food, music, crafts, and collectibles.
“Our list of vendors is completely full this year,” says Bennett. “Our reputation for a great mountain festival in east Tennessee whose reputation is considered one of the best. Most of the vendor spaces are sold by December for next year’s festival.”
The main stage during the Apple Festival.
There will be two music stages filling the mountains with a variety of music during the event that runs 8 am till 8 pm each day. The headliners for the main stage for music each night will include:
Friday, October 1, 6-8pm – Lyric, Rhythm & Blues, Soul
Saturday, October 2, 6-8pm – The Rewind, 80’s & 90s Hits
Since the streets will be full, local churches and civic groups will run regular shuttle service from lots around the downtown area each day.
If you love the mountains and the life visitors love to experience, be ready for the festival of a lifetime during the Unicoi County Apple Festival. Stay updated on this year’s festival on Facebook.
Take a look at a previous festival.
The Southeastern Autorama is slated for October 16th. It’s a 61-year tradition that is expected to draw more than 20 vintage vehicles to the streets of downtown Erwin. Beginning in 1960 at a iconic restaurant called the “Big Hat”, the event has moved from downtown to the county’s high school track and back to downtown where it is flourishing. Want to look at the 2018 event? Go ahead and watch, then bring your wheels and enjoy a day at the Autorama.
“The Autorama is truly part of the county’s heritage and one of the most anticipated festivals of the year,” says Jamie Rice of the Town of Erwin. The event will include live music, food and craft vendors during the day-long event set for a 7:30 am start.
