Murphysboro Apple Festival kicks off with full week of events; Apple Blossom Contest voting ends today

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MURPHYSBORO, Ill., (KBSI) — The Murphysboro Apple Festival officially starts September 9th.

Now in its 74th year, the Apple Festival is the oldest celebration of its kind in the region and is expected to draw more than 45,000 visitors this year.

Today’s festivities began with the Appletime Prayer Breakfast at the Davis-McCann Center, followed by the Opening Ceremony at 5:15 p.m. on the Appletime Stage. The evening concludes with Faith & Family Night, headlined by award-winning bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent at 6 p.m.

The week’s schedule is packed with long-standing traditions and new attractions. On Thursday, the Apple Pie and Apple Butter Contest will be held alongside the Ice Cream Challenge and “Taste of Murphysboro,” featuring local food vendors.

Friday will bring the Appletime Golf Classic, Senior Day, the Children’s Pet & Hobby Parade, and a lineup of live music performances into the evening.

Saturday features the Arts & Crafts Fair, Appletime Market, live music, and the signature Appletime Grand Parade at 11 a.m. Family activities, the Fiddle & Banjo Contest, and evening concerts will follow.

The festival wraps up Sunday with the Miss Apple Festival Pageant and the Prince & Princess Coronation at the Murphysboro High School Performing Arts Center.

Festival organizers also remind the public that today is the final day to cast votes in the Apple Blossom Contest. Voting ends at noon Tuesday, Sept. 9. Online voting is available until noon at https://bit.ly/MAFappleblossoms. In-person votes must also be submitted by noon at the Murphysboro Apple Festival Office, 110 South 14th Street.

All money and donations collected by contestants must be delivered to the office by that deadline.