Lincolnton, NC – Plans are ripening for the 47th annual Lincoln County Apple Festival in downtown Lincolnton. The festival is presented this year by First Federal Savings Bank, Piedmont Natural Gas and The Lincolnton Tourism Development Authority.

For eight city blocks, the Apple Festival will feature more than 90 craft vendors, more than 50 food vendors, a farmer’s market, an expanded Ag City area with hands on agricultural exhibits, a children’s area with rides and activities, and two stages of local and regional entertainment.

Of course, there are always apples at the festival, and five local apple growers will be on hand with apples by the bag and the bushel at locations on both East and West Main. As you probably suspect, you will find apple fried pies, fritters, whole apple pies, apple kettle corn, cider, jelly, and candied apples among the delicious fair food.

Sir Purr of the Carolina Panthers will visit on Lincolnton’s iconic Court Square and pose for selfies from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Jon Sundell, internationally recognized folksinger and storyteller, will entertain at 10 a.m. at the Library’s Annual Used Book Sale in the Citizen’s Center, and at 12:30 on north Court Square.

Everyone will have a chance to visit with Lincoln County’s new Apple Queen, Kayla Jackson.

Parking is easy because of the shuttle that runs throughout the day to and from two offsite locations, the Lincolnton Plaza Shopping Center at 1555 N. Aspen Street, and Lincolnton High School. The cost will be $2 per person and benefits local non-profits. The shuttle is sponsored by Carolina Complete Health and K&L Dunrite Roofing and Restoration.

“Parking is also in good supply at Gaston College on South Aspen Street,” said Cynthia Hoffmann, chairperson of the Lincoln County Apple Festival Board of Directors. The Lion’s Club operates three lots on Sycamore Street, and Freedom Church provides parking at their lot at Academy and Sycamore. All are within a block of the action on Main Street and parking fees benefit local non-profits. Visit the website at LincolnCountyAppleFestival.com.

Photo: Everyone makes a beeline to booth number C24, where the “Pie Ladies” of Lincoln County’s Cooperative Extension sell their fresh baked whole apple pies. They often sell out by about 11, but you can get yours the week before the festival by visiting the demonstration kitchen on the first floor of the Warren Citizen Center, and purchase them hot from the oven.