Two of Habersham County’s longest-running community celebrations take center stage in the newest episode of the Hey Habersham podcast.
Titled “Midway Lights and Apple Delights,” the second episode of the podcast’s third season previews the 51st Chattahoochee Mountain Fair and the 38th annual Big Red Apple Festival. Host Peter Madruga speaks with organizers of both events about what visitors can expect this September.
Chattahoochee Mountain Fair Returns for 51st Year
Chattahoochee Mountain Fair General Manager Shelley Tullis said planning for the fair is a year-round undertaking. In some cases, major attractions must be booked years in advance.
The fair will run from Friday, Sept. 11, through Saturday, Sept. 19, with an expanded midway, live entertainment, livestock shows, contests, a petting zoo and two nights of rodeo action.
One of the biggest changes this year is the arrival of a new midway provider, Lisko Family Amusements. Tullis said the new agreement calls for between 17 and 20 rides, including seven to 10 major rides and eight to 10 family rides.
The opening weekend will feature 406 FMX, a freestyle motocross show with riders performing aerial stunts inside the rodeo arena. Multiple performances are planned Sept. 11 and 12, with a finale scheduled each night.
Circus Incredible will perform throughout the fair and includes Lyrica Wallenda, a descendant of famed high-wire performer Karl Wallenda, along with her young son. An illusionist and comedian, livestock shows hosted by Habersham County FFA, more than 20 food vendors and a full lineup of musicians will add to the nine-day schedule.
The fair’s final two nights, Sept. 18 and 19, will feature the Hayes of Baldwin Rodeo. Organizers are adding seating after last year’s record attendance left the rodeo arena packed.
Visitors can also participate in events including a hog-calling contest, diaper dash, talent show, hay bale toss, mullet contest, watermelon-eating contest and biscuit-eating contest.
The fair opens on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Tullis said local veterans will conduct a commemorative ceremony at the fairgrounds.
Big Red Apple Festival Expands Into Donald Anderson Park
The celebration continues Sept. 26 when downtown Cornelia hosts the 38th annual Big Red Apple Festival.
Noah Hamill, community development director for the City of Cornelia, said more than 150 merchandise, promotional and food vendors are expected to participate this year.
The festival will use Donald Anderson Park for the first time, with merchandise and promotional vendors moving into the park. Food vendors will remain near the Cornelia Depot. The change will allow several streets previously occupied by vendors to remain open, potentially improving access to downtown businesses and creating additional parking opportunities.
Families will find a kids zone with bounce houses and inflatable games, along with a returning petting zoo that proved popular during last year’s festival.
Hayrides will transport visitors to Chenocetah Tower, where families can step inside and learn more about the historic landmark. Hamill said the festival will also feature live local entertainment at Fender’s Alley.
The Big Red Apple Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in downtown Cornelia. Admission is free.
Listen to the Full Conversations
In the complete podcast episode, Tullis and Hamill discuss the work that goes into organizing the two celebrations, the challenges of managing crowds and parking, and how both events continue to evolve while remaining rooted in Habersham County traditions.
“Midway Lights and Apple Delights” is available now on Spotify.
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