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Murphysboro Apple Festival

Murphysboro Apple Festival
110 South 14th Street
618-684-3200

History of the Murphysboro Apple Festival

The Murphysboro Apple Festival is the oldest and largest alcohol-free festival in southern Illinois! Always held the second weekend after Labor Day, each year more than 45,000 people flock to Downtown Murphysboro and the surrounding areas. Originating as a one-day event in 1952 by the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce to promote Murphysboro businesses, the Apple Festival has grown into the premiere four-day festival it is today. The festival's signature event, the Appletime Grand Parade, is considered by many to be the largest parade in southern Illinois with an average of 160 total units participating.

Our Goals

The Murphysboro Apple Festival has been very busy working to accomplish several goals. It began with the goal of the Festival to stand on its own as an entity that did not depend on another organization to support it. That goal was accomplished when we began operating without the help of the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce. The Murphysboro Apple Festival was incorporated in June 2015.

Our next goal was to have a home that we could call our own. Since July of 2015, we have had office space at 110 South 14th Street. The building not only gives us the space we need to meet the clerical needs of the Festival, but the Emporium items can be displayed attractively and some storage needs can be handled. The community knows they can come to the office to purchase Emporium items and tickets, vote for Apple Blossom and Prince and Princess contestants, and get answers to all their questions about the Festival.

In May 2017, our Board of Directors received notification that Murphysboro Apple Festival, Incorporated was recognized as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity under the Internal Revenue Code. Now, any donations made to the Apple Festival qualify as tax deductions. We are also qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts as well.

A majority of the entertainment and events held during the festival are completely free. Any funds raised through the sale of Emporium items, Appletime Bakery goods, and ticket sales are re-invested back into the Festival to continue the tradition for many more years to come. The Murphysboro Apple Festival is grateful to the Humbert Rogers Trust Fund, the Elizabeth Smysor Charitable Trust, and the late Fred L. Cook for their generous support.

If you would like to make a donation to the Murphysboro Apple Festival, we have provided an easy online donation option in our store. You can click the "Give" button located at the top right of the screen or the button below. You can also mail your donations to our office, located at 110 South 14th Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966.

Murphysboro Apple Festival is not affiliated with AmericanTowns Media