HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) -- The North Carolina Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville is returning for its 79th year on Friday, Aug. 29.
The festival is happening just less than a month away from the one-year mark of when Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina.
President of the North Carolina Apple Festival, Josh English, said Henderson County apple growers were heavily impacted by Helene.
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"Helene devastated this area, especially our apple growers in that industry," English said. "We're glad to be bouncing back from that and I think this festival will be a sense of pride to show that the industry is back and that we're here, open for business and looking forward to rebounding and making great strides from Helene from last year."
Organizers hope the festival, which runs from Friday, Aug. 29, to Monday, Sept. 1, will be another chapter in WNC's recovery from Helene.
Each year, the festival brings about 250,000 or more people to the festival, English said. He hopes to see similar numbers.
"We're looking forward to accomplishing that this year," English said. "If not, better than that."
This year's festival kicks off with the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday at First United Methodist Church. Following breakfast, the Street Fair starts at 10 a.m., with the Opening Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse Plaza.
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Main Street will be closed to traffic between Caswell Street and Seventh Avenue for the festival, with street closures starting on Aug. 28 and lasting through Sept. 1 following the King Apple Parade.
No parking will be allowed on Main Street after 2 p.m. between Caswell and Allen streets, and no parking after 3 p.m. from Allen Street to Seventh Avenue.
"We have 14 local apple growers here that are on the corner of every avenue in downtown Main Street, and they offer different treats, so they all bring a little uniqueness there," English said.
For a full schedule of events for the Apple Festival and the entertainment lineup, click here.