TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE APPLE FESTIVAL

By Kevin Starr
North Carolina Cooperative Extension

LINCOLNTON -- Most of the folks who will come to the Apple Festival on Saturday have attended many times before. But there are a lot of newcomers to the festival each year. Here are a few ideas that may make the festival more enjoyable for both veterans and first-timers.

Wear comfortable shoes. Seeing the entire festival requires considerable walking. This is really not the time to show off your latest shoe style unless they are good walking shoes.

If your children are old enough to see the festival on their own, make prior arrangements on when and where you will meet them. If you have young children, keep a close eye on them. If they get separated from you, notify law enforcement officials or other emergency personnel so that they can assist you in locating them.

Please be aware that Lincoln County Emergency Managment’s mobile command center will be located on the east side of the courthouse. This is a highly visible location where you can find help.

There are a variety of restrooms available at the festival. Indoor restrooms are located in the James W. Warren Citizens Center, the Lincoln County Library and the Lincoln County Farmers Market shelter on West Water Street.
Port-a-jons are scattered throughout the festival grounds.

Please do not park in areas where it is not allowed. Each year, there are some folks who return to where they parked their car only to find that it has been towed.

The two largest parking areas commonly used by the public are at Lincolnton High School on North Aspen Street and at the local Gaston College campus on South Aspen Street. The Kiwanis Club uses the Lincolnton High School lot as a pick-up and drop-off point for its shuttle service at a cost of $1.00 round trip.

Although we don't know what the weather will be like on Apple Festival day, it tends to be on the warm side. Make sure you drink plenty of water as you walk around the festival grounds. There will be tents with tables and chairs on the courthouse lawn which will provide a good place to rest.

Finally, there are information booths located on West Main Street near the courthouse and on East Main Street near the intersection with Cedar Street. The Apple Festival officials working there will be glad to answer your questions.