Cleveland Apple Festival

The Cleveland Apple Festival is a family event held on the third weekend of October in downtown Cleveland, Tennessee around the Bradley County courthouse square. This annual festival offers a juried art and craft show, live bluegrass music, food booths, pony and a hayride, entertainment, contests and children's activities. Unlike many festivals of its kind in the U.S. The Cleveland Apple Festival does not charge for children to participate in the various children's activities provided in the children's area. The Cleveland Apple Festival is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

History

The Cleveland Apple Festival began October 2002. Lewis McNeely Sr. and Dr. Larry Cockerham began discussing in 2001 a desire to have a festival event in Cleveland TN that centered on apples. After doing upstart research concerning festivals, They partnered with Chuck McSpadden, owner of Apple Valley Orchards, a local orchard. The first festival was promoted primarily by hanging posters and word of mouth and was held on the grounds of Living Word Fellowship Church. The first year obtained an attendance of about 500 people. McSpadden then recommended to McNeely to move it to a larger venue. In 2003 and 2004 the festival was relocated to the Tri-State Exhibition Center and advertising was greatly increased, which resulted in a large jump in attendance to about 2700 participants. Because of continued growth, the festival partnered with Mainstreet Cleveland to relocate the event to downtown Cleveland in 2005. The festival was also expanded to 2 days and attendance grew to almost 8000. Since that time attendance has averaged from 8 to 9 thousand participants.

In 2006 The Cleveland Apple Festival became a non profit public charity. The proceeds from ticket sales are donated to local charitable causes and organizations.

Festival Events and Contests

The Kids Zone. This area features moon bounces, pony rides, a petting zoo and various other kid themed activities. Admission to this area is free to children 12 and under with a paid admission into the festival.

Entertainment stage. The stage features bluegrass, country and Gospel music from local entertainers. Cloggers and various other dance troops from the region participate as well.

Crafter's Valley. This area features juried artist and crafters from around the United States displaying their handiwork. Items include pottery, paintings, woodcrafts, handmade jewellery and other fine crafts. Most items are for sale and some exhibitors also give a demonstration of creating their work.

Home and Community Booth Area. This area features exhibitors displaying information and products from both home based businesses and community businesses and industry

Apple Pie Eating Contest. Participants see who can eat the most McDonald's apple pies in a set amount of time.

Little Miss Apple Blossom. Girls 5–10 years of age compete for the titles of Little Miss Apple Blossom and Jr. Miss Apple Blossom. Each contestant dresses in their a farm or country girl outfit. Unlike a traditional Beauty contest, judging is based on costume and presentation. Prizes consist of various cash prizes as well as trophies sand gift certificates.

Apple Dessert Contest. Participants submit their best apple based dessert for an opportunity to win various prizes.

External links

• City of Cleveland, Tennessee
• Cleveland Apple Festival official site
• Mainstreet Cleveland business association