Apple Barn Marks Half-Century Milestone
SEVIER COUNTY, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – One of Sevier County’s most recognizable attractions is celebrating a major milestone this month.
The Apple Barn in Sevierville is commemorating its 50th anniversary with an expanded Apple Fest, drawing thousands of visitors to the farm for a celebration of East Tennessee agriculture, family traditions and fall fun.
According to orchard manager Kent Kilpatrick, the family business traces its roots back to 1976 when his father planted the first apple trees on the property.
“My dad planted the first trees in 1976, and so he’s still around with us today. Him and mom were the first to help start this process, and we’re just proud to kind of carry on their tradition,” Kilpatrick said.
Family Memories Inspire Festival
Kilpatrick said the festival was inspired by memories of growing up on the farm and by the historic Apple Festival once hosted by the City of Sevierville.
He said the goal was to create an event where families could experience life on a working farm while enjoying the outdoors.
“When my brother and I were little, we used to come out here and run and play,” Kilpatrick said. “It kind of inspired us to try this on our own property, be able to come out and let people get in the green grass, go be on the riverbank, and see our tractors.”
The festival offers guests a chance to go beyond the Apple Barn’s stores and restaurants by exploring parts of the farm that are not typically open to the public.
More Than 10,000 Visitors Attend
The anniversary celebration has proven popular with residents and tourists alike.
Kilpatrick said more than 10,000 people had attended the festival by Sunday, making it one of the largest events the farm has hosted.
Visitors Zach Noe and Micheal Olinger said they enjoyed learning about the orchard’s history during a wagon tour.
“We got to ride the wagon and got to hear a little bit of history,” Olinger said. “Been coming here for 25, 30 years and not really know the simple history behind this place. It was really awesome to hear that.”
Hands-On Farm Experience
In addition to bluegrass music and food, the festival features cider-making demonstrations, production tours, pony rides, wagon rides and opportunities for children to see farm equipment and animals up close.
Kilpatrick said the focus has always been family experiences and agricultural education.
“My vision for the festival was more to have the kids and the families and the experience where people don’t normally get the experience to see,” Kilpatrick said. “So many kids grow up now and don’t get to see a tractor or to see the animals work and see all the things that we offer here at the farm.”
He said the festival gives visitors a chance to learn how apples are grown, harvested and transformed into the cider products that helped make the Apple Barn a regional destination.
One More Weekend to Celebrate
Those who missed the opening weekend still have one more opportunity to attend.
Apple Fest returns to the Apple Barn in Sevierville October 9 through October 11, featuring continued live music, farm tours, family activities and fall-themed attractions.
For many visitors, the event provides a chance to experience the beauty of autumn in the Smoky Mountains while celebrating a business that has become a staple of Sevier County tourism for five decades.
As Olinger summed up the experience:
“Can’t beat it. Best time of the year.”
