Attending the 2021 Georgia Apple Festival

Fall is right around the corner, and we can already taste the sweet flavors of apple pie, apple cider, and apple butter. This time of year wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the rich apple aroma, which is why the 2021 Georgia Apple Festival is the place to be.

What Is the Georgia Apple Festival?

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In 1903, a man named John W. Clayton planted the first apples for a market in Gilmer County.

At about the same time, the boll weevil started its journey from the Rio Grande into Texas, heading east. It devoured cotton crops across the South. Georgia, like the rest of the South, depended on cotton to keep its economy afloat.

It was John Clayton’s apple orchards that kept the economy of Gilmer County from collapsing. Today Gilmer County produces over 200,000 bushels of apples a year, and Gilmer County is showing its appreciation.

Thanks to Mr. John Clayton and the citizens of Ellijay, Georgia, you can get ready for another trip to the Georgia Apple Festival, 2021.

This year, you can visit more than 300 vendors that share their items. Not only will you get to taste delicious apple products, but you can also find numerous artisan products and many people ready to share their craft with a live demonstration.

The festival starts October 9th, but get to Ellijay early for an opening Parade at 6:00 pm on October 8th. Visit the campgrounds on October 9th and 16th from 9:00-6:00 or October 10th and 17th from 9:00-5:00.

How Do I Get There?

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Address: Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds

1729 South Main Street

Ellijay, Georgia 30540

The festival is in Ellijay, Georgia, right in the northern part of the state.

If you’re coming from Ellijay or a nearby neighborhood, you can use one of the shuttle buses that transport visitors from the city to the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds on the southwest side of the town. You can park at one of the pick-up locations, which include Gilmer High School, an elementary school off the GA-282 highway, or near McCutchen Street.

Since parking is scarce on the actual campgrounds, you can park at any of those pick-up locations and shuttle to the festival. If you are coming from another part of the state - or country - still consider shuttling to the campgrounds to ensure you have a safe place to park.

Keep in mind that you may need to donate parking. These gifts may go towards local civic groups or schools, and the expected amount depends on which shuttle pick-up location you park at.

Handicapped individuals can take advantage of limited parking spaces at the campgrounds, but it’s best to get there early to ensure a spot.

How Do I Get Tickets?

You can pay for tickets when you get to the festival. All adults pay only $5, while children under 10 enjoy free admission.

What Can I Do There?

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There are over 300 vendors spread out across the Lions Club Fairgrounds. Their tables will be covered with handmade clothes and jewelry, candles, wood carvings, and lots and lots of food. If you’re hungry, the Fairgrounds in Ellijay is just the place for apple bread, butter churned on somebody’s front porch and a mug of warm cider.

It’s like a family reunion, and you don’t have to be from Gilmer County to be part of this family. There are no strangers at the Georgia Apple Festival. Take the whole family and stroll through the campgrounds, enjoying the fall season and celebrating Georgia’s apple orchards and craftsmanship.

Of course, not all the fun happens at the campground! Visit downtown Ellijay for continued enjoyment.

Events Around Town

Photo Credit: downtownellijay.com

By mid-morning, the shops in Ellijay’s 19th-century downtown will open their doors, and you can count on friendly owners in every doorway, offering slices of apple cake, muffins, and cups of warm apple cider.

Don’t wander too far. This year’s festival is an exceptional kind of gathering, and you won’t want to miss anything the town has in store. Consider the following events:

• Apple Festival Parade: At 6:00 Friday evening on October 8th, the opening parade starts at River Street and winds its way through the roundabout in downtown Ellijay.

• Apple Arts on the Square: This event is a miniature Apple Festival in the town square on all four days of the Festival. It’s a great place to shop for gifts if you like a smaller venue.

• Apple Classic Auto Show: Check out classic cars at Ronnie Thompson Ford on October 9th from 8:00 am to noon.

• Apple Festival 5K Road Race: Participate or cheer on your loved ones at the race on October 9th. It starts at 8:00 am, but make sure to arrive at the Ellijay Elementary School at 7:00 am for registration.

What Are the COVID Restrictions?

The Georgia Apple Festival was canceled last year due to COVID restrictions, but the vendors are ready to celebrate the festival’s 50th anniversary this year.

So far, there are no restrictions for the festival, but individual businesses in Ellijay may observe certain rules. For example, the Red Apple Barn LLC requests visitors to wear masks inside or on wagon rides and encourages social distancing. Make sure to check with each business before entering.

Enjoy the Delicious Apples!

Make sure your fall experience is complete with a trip to the 2021 Georgia Apple Festival! It’s a perfect place to take the whole family, share delicious food, and support local businesses.