APPLE FESTIVAL NEAR

The Lincoln County Apple Festival is on Saturday, September 20 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in downtown Lincolnton. A lot of people have worked hard to make this festival one of the safest and most enjoyable ever. The vendors are well aware of important changes in the festival guidelines. In this column, I’ll try to highlight those that pertain to the general public.

First, no animals are allowed on festival grounds. This is a city ordinance. Exceptions are service animals such as guide dogs and animals which are an approved part of the event itself.

Secondly, don’t move barricades in order to enter downtown with a vehicle. This warning extends late into the evening hours until the city is through cleaning the streets. They do a great job cleaning up the downtown area but must be able to do it safely. Law enforcement will be issuing tickets for those who ignore the barricades.

Now let’s talk about some other bits of information that might be useful to you. The two largest parking areas available to the public are at Lincolnton High School on North Aspen Street and Gaston College on South Aspen Street. The Kiwanis Club will again be running their shuttle from Lincolnton High School to the court square. Round-trips are only a $1.00 but I’m sure an extra donation to support their worthy causes would be appreciated. Thanks go to Buddy Stasney for again providing the vehicles for the shuttle.

A special handicapped parking area is located on South Aspen Street just below the court square. We appreciate the support of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Bank of America in making this area possible. If you would like to park there, you must call Cooperative Extension at 704-736-8452 in advance of the festival. We will need to know the name of the driver, type of vehicle, and tag number. On the day of the festival, come to the barricades in front of Emmanuel Lutheran at the intersection of South Aspen Street and Church Street. Tell the law enforcement officer on duty that you have a reservation. After confirming this on his list of reservations, he will let you into this parking area. You must arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for your reservation to be honored.

Watch for more publicity on the festival. If you have questions, call Cooperative Extension at 704-736-8452.