The Ultimate Guide To The 2024 Georgia Apple Festival In Ellijay: Dates, Tickets, And 300+ Vendors
Planning your perfect fall getaway? The 53rd Annual Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, GA, remains the premier event in the North Georgia Mountains, and the official 2024 dates have been confirmed. This year's celebration promises two full weekends of mountain crafts, incredible food, and the freshest apples from the self-proclaimed "Apple Capital of Georgia," drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Gilmer County.
For those eager to experience the heart of the Appalachian harvest season, the festival is a can't-miss event. We’ve compiled all the essential, up-to-date information for October 2024, covering everything from the exact schedule and admission cost to the best local orchards for U-Pick apples and the must-see parade.
All Confirmed 2024 Georgia Apple Festival Details: Dates, Hours, and Location
The Georgia Apple Festival, hosted by the Ellijay Lions Club, is a massive celebration spanning two key October weekends. Knowing the precise schedule is crucial for planning your trip to avoid the peak crowds and ensure you don't miss any of the main events.
- 2024 Festival Dates: The festival is scheduled for two consecutive weekends: Saturday, October 12 & Sunday, October 13, 2024, and Saturday, October 19 & Sunday, October 20, 2024.
- Festival Hours: The gates open at 9:00 a.m. each day. The festival concludes at 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.
- Main Location: The core of the festival, featuring the vast majority of vendors, food, and entertainment, is held at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds.
- Admission Cost: Entry to the main festival grounds is $10 per person. Children 12 and under are admitted FREE. Note that admission is typically cash-only, so plan accordingly before you arrive.
The Must-See 2024 Apple Festival Parade
A highlight of the first weekend is the annual festival parade, a beloved tradition that kicks off the festivities in style. The 2024 parade details are set:
- Parade Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024.
- Time: The parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Downtown Ellijay.
- 2024 Theme: This year's theme is "Core Memories Are Made In Ellijay."
What to Expect: 300+ Vendors, Crafts, and Mountain Fun
The Georgia Apple Festival is renowned as one of the Southeast’s largest arts and crafts festivals. The sheer number of vendors—over 300—ensures a diverse and high-quality selection of unique, handcrafted items that you simply won't find anywhere else.
Handmade Crafts and On-Site Demonstrations
The festival grounds transform into a massive outdoor marketplace where artisans from across the region showcase their talents. This focus on handmade, hand-crafted goods is what sets the Georgia Apple Festival apart from typical street fairs. Visitors can expect to find:
- Pottery and Ceramics: Unique, locally-made stoneware and decorative pieces.
- Woodworking: Hand-carved furniture, custom signs, and intricate wooden toys.
- Jewelry: Artisan-crafted pieces using precious metals, mountain stones, and natural materials.
- Fiber Arts: Hand-stitched quilts, woven scarves, and other textile creations.
In addition to shopping, numerous vendors offer on-site demonstrations, allowing you to watch the creative process in real-time. Keep an eye out for demonstrations in blacksmithing, glass blowing, or painting, which are often a part of the festival's interactive experience.
The Culinary Delights: Beyond the Apple
While the festival is an apple-lover's paradise, the food vendor lineup is a major attraction in its own right. Naturally, you will find every apple-infused treat imaginable, but the fair food extends to traditional Southern favorites and mountain cuisine.
- Apple Specialties: Don't miss the famous fried apple pies, fresh-pressed apple cider, warm apple butter, and the quintessential caramel apples.
- Fair Food Staples: Look for classic festival fare like funnel cakes, barbecue, kettle corn, and regional specialties.
- Live Music: The festival features live music throughout the day on both weekends, showcasing local and regional talent across various genres, adding a vibrant soundtrack to your shopping and dining experience.
Topical Authority: Ellijay as the Apple Capital of Georgia
The Georgia Apple Festival is more than just a fair; it's a celebration of Gilmer County's rich agricultural heritage. Ellijay is officially recognized as the "Apple Capital of Georgia" due to its ideal climate and soil for growing a wide array of apple varieties. Understanding the local orchard scene is key to a complete festival experience.
Essential Ellijay Apple Orchards to Visit
Many local orchards, though separate from the Lions Club Fairgrounds, are essential entities for any visitor looking to take home the freshest fruit. A visit to one of these farms offers a chance to pick your own (U-Pick) apples and purchase unique farm-fresh products.
- R & A Orchards: Known for growing over 20 varieties of apples, R & A is a great stop for fresh cider and a wide selection of baked goods.
- B.J. Reece Orchards: A highly popular family-friendly destination offering U-Pick apples, a farm market, and various activities like wagon rides and petting zoos.
- Hillcrest Orchards: This orchard boasts over seventeen apple varieties and is known for its family-focused activities, making it perfect for those traveling with children.
Visitors in October can expect to find late-season varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Rome Beauty, which are perfect for baking and storage.
Tips for Navigating the 2024 Festival Like a Pro
With an estimated 40,000 visitors over the two weekends, the Georgia Apple Festival requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential tips:
Arrive Early for Parking: The biggest challenge is traffic and parking. Arriving before 9:00 a.m. is highly recommended, especially on the first Saturday (Parade Day). While some limited free parking is available, be prepared to use the paid parking lots or the off-site parking areas, which often include a shuttle service to the fairgrounds.
Bring Cash: While some vendors may accept credit cards, the $10 admission fee is typically cash-only, and many smaller craft vendors prefer cash. Having small bills will speed up your entry and purchases.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds is expansive, and you will be walking for several hours on uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must.
Split Your Visit: Consider visiting the main festival grounds on one day for the crafts and food, and dedicating a separate half-day to visiting one of the large local apple orchards for U-Pick activities to fully immerse yourself in the Gilmer County apple harvest experience.
The 2024 Georgia Apple Festival is set to be a spectacular celebration of autumn, mountain culture, and the state’s finest apples. Mark your calendars for the two weekends in October and prepare for an unforgettable trip to Ellijay, GA.
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