The theme for the 2025 Apple Festival will be announced in late winter/early spring. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at 10:00am.
2025 Apple Festival Parade Float Contest
All area businesses, civic groups, schools and churches are encouraged to enter floats in the parade observing the theme, "70 years of Apple -achian Traditions."
- Floats are judged before the parade at 9am in the lineup on the west end of Chilhowie. Float winners will be announced after the parade and before the crowning of the queen.
- The floats will be judged in four categories:
- Commercial
- Youth
- Civic
- Religious
- First, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in each of the four categories.
- Ribbons will be placed on both sides of the float to be displayed as the floats travel the parade route.
- Monetary prizes will be awarded in each category, with 1st place $100, 2nd place $75, and 3rd place $50.
At approximately 9:00 AM on Saturday, September 28, 2024 U.S. Highway 11 will be closed from the intersection with Lyons Gap Road on the east side of Chilhowie to the intersection with Industrial Boulevard, on the west side of Chilhowie for the Parade.
The following volunteers served on the 2024 Apple Festival committee:
- Co-Presidents: Becca Wilkinson-Smith, Vicki Wilson
- Co-Vice Presidents: Tammy Doane, LauraEtta Wilkinson
- Recording Secretary: Janet Clear
- Corresponding Secretary: Sandy Goodman
- Co-Treasurers: Kathy Wright
- Outside Chair: Rebecca Wilkinson-Smith, Vicki Wilson
- Inside Chair: Tammy Doane, Karla Little-Campbell
- Beauty Pageant: Karla Little-Campbell
- Catalog: Sharon Cahill
- Registered Agent (for SCC): Laura Etta Wilkinson
- Web Designer: Mary Lynne Martin
This community event which so many citizens enjoy would not be possible without the hard working volunteers who spend a great deal of time and effort to make it happen. So if you enjoy the Apple Festival each year, a simple word of Thanks might be in order!