Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1223265
By Randy Rice Founded in 1975, the Arkansas Apple Festival brings arts and cras, a tasty selection of fair food, kids activities and apples galore to the Northwest Arkansas Region every October. Just 20 miles down the scenic drive of Hwy 62 from Fayetteville, this festival combines down home southern goodness with fresh harvest apples to give attendees just a glimpse of what life was like in the Apple Capital of Arkansas many years ago. "I've lived in Lincoln since I was in first grade and I've looked forward to the festival every year," said Rhonda Hulse, one of the two directors of the Apple Festival. "It's exciting to watch it grow bigger every year with more and more people from all around the area making the journey to Lincoln that first weekend in October." Friday kicks off three days of celebration that includes over 80 booths of cra artisans from the surrounding area, lots of delicious food vendors and fun for the whole family. On Saturday, the biggest day of the festival, there is a parade at 10 in the morning followed by the ever-popular apple core throwing contest. Bluegrass singing is enjoyed throughout Saturday and Gospel singing on Sunday. "ere's always a lot of activities going on all three days," Hulse said. "and, of course, the main attraction is the apples fresh from the harvest." is October, Hulse estimates that they will give away over 100 bushels of free apple samples as well as samples of cider to wash them down. History of the First Apple Festival Aer more than a year of planning, the first annual Arkansas Apple Festival was the fulfillment of a dream long-held by many Lincoln residents. e dream began independently in the minds of those who wanted to see Lincoln recognized as the friendly community in beautiful Northwest Arkansas that residents of the area know it to be. An annual celebration inviting visitors from all over seemed to be the key. A decision on the focal point of such a celebration was easy to make. As the apple capital of Arkansas, Lincoln already attracted thousands of visitors annually to partake of the local variety of apples, sweet cider and delicious apple dumplings. e apple industry in Lincoln offered the perfect reason for a festival. But these thoughts remained only a dream until mid-1975, when action began transforming the idea into reality. Talk turned to effort, and nine Lincoln residents formed the Arkansas Apple Festival Committee to coordinate the plans. With a desire to make the first festival a rousing success, the committee decided to schedule the first one a full year ahead in 1976, giving ample time for preparations. at 1976 just happened to be the nation's Bicentennial was an added bonus for the first annual Arkansas Apple Festival. While the country as a whole was celebrating its rich heritage, Lincoln began a lasting tribute to a vital part of their history, the apple industry. Whether you come to sample the free apples slices, the great fair-like and food truck goodies, or to buy your years' supply of that favorite jelly sold on the square by the attending craers, the Arkansas Apple Festival will not disappoint. Lincoln's Apple Festival, a delicious tradition for 45 years Enterprise-Leader/LYNN KUTTER Bob Reed with Masonic Lodge #615 in Lincoln sells a bag of apples at the Apple Festival. 20 – 2020 West Washington County Directory 2157 East Pridemore • Lincoln, AR 479-824-3299 Oklahoma Residents 1-800-723-4VET Serving NW Arkansas and NE Oklahoma over 40 years H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 824-5459 303 W. Pridemore • Lincoln American Drive-In Serving Lincoln since 1958 with H Burgers H Fries H Shakes Now two locations to serve you better 106 W. Park Street and 201 E. School 479-824-3196 West Washington County Clinic Washington Regional