Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Information & Tips

Is it handicap accessible?

Yes! There is a large paved handicap parking area (a handicap placard must be displayed on the vehicle), and the entire festival area is on asphalt or concrete. Be advised, there are a few hills to navigate, but they are all black top.
What types of crafts are being sold?

A large variety of homemade crafts will be available. Pottery, jewelry, wood crafts, wreaths, wooden toys, primitive decorations, ornaments, sewn items, herbal soaps, stained glass, quilts, fabric pails, and more. There truly is something here for everyone!
Where are the restrooms?

Port-a-Lets are located around the grounds, and full service restrooms are available in the white building with the green roof by area E, as well as in the Event Center.
Is the festival one day or two days?

The festival is held over 2 days, and always the last full weekend of September.
What food is available?

A large variety of great food will be available. Apple Fritters, Apple pies, Caramel apples, Fudge covered apples, BBQ sandwiches, pork chops, kettle corn, ham sandwiches, brats, metts, hot dogs, burgers, Southern BBQ ribs, and much more! A new requirement of all booths offering something apple-related should make an exciting adventure for the foodies!
Where in Lebanon is the festival located?

We are now at the Warren County Fairgrounds, located at 665 N. Broadway St. Lebanon Ohio, straight up the street from our previous downtown location!!!
Can we bring pets?

Please leave your pets at home. As much as we love animals, Country Applefest is a "pet free" event. Specifically trained service animals, such as a seeing eye dog or medical dog, are acceptable and welcome. Visitors with NON-SERVICE animals will be asked to leave.
Where can I park?

Ample free parking is available on site. Please be aware that general parking is mostly on grass or gravel, and is often dusty.
What are the times for the festival?

The festival is open from 10 AM to 7 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. Parking lots will open for visitors beginning at 9 AM each day. Admission gates will open promptly at 10 AM.
Is there and admission fee?

Yes, there is a $1 per person admission fee. Children 12 and under are always free.
Do you accept credit cards for admission.

No, we do not accept credit cards at the gates. Admission is cash only, and we cannot accept any bills larger than a $20 bill.
Where can I go on the grounds for more information?

The Applefest office is located on the North end of area E, facing the driveway coming down the hill. A festival staff member is available to help answer any questions you may have.
Tips for your Visit

*Wear comfortable shoes. The festival spans a very large area. *Please be patient when arriving to and leaving the festival. Expect delays getting in and out of the grounds. Our wonderful police officers and crew are out there directing traffic and will get you in and out as quickly as possible, but with the huge number of people visiting the festival, it does take some time to get everyone in and out safely. *Bring plenty of cash. While some vendors do accept credit cards, lots are cash only. We do have 5 ATMs on site, but sometimes they even run out of money. *While we all love our pets, because of the crowds we do not allow animals at the festival. Please leave your pets at home. Only trained service animals are permitted. *Be sure to dress for the weather. The festival is open rain or shine. We all know just how unpredictable Ohio weather can be, so it is best to be prepared. We look forward to seeing you at the festival!
Can we make speeches or verbally advertise services, circulate petitions, or lecture the attendees?

No public speaking or other vocal interruptions of the festival, and no circulating of petitions is permitted in the festival area or in the parking areas. Anyone doing so will be asked to leave immediately.
When is Setup? When can we tear down?

Setup is available from 1 pm until 8 PM on Friday before the festival, from 6 AM to 9 AM on Saturday morning, and you can restock from 7 AM to 9 AM on Sunday morning. (Please note, no vehicles will be permitted to enter the festival area after 8:45 AM on Saturday and Sunday, and all vehicles must be out of the festival area promptly at 9 AM to allow final preparations for our 10 AM opening time to occur). Tear down on Sunday begins no sooner than 6:15 PM. We will open the gates as soon as possible after 6:15 PM once all patrons have cleared out of the festival area. Please do not attempt to drive into the festival area until a committee member opens gates. Coming in early than permitted by the committee is grounds for ejection from future festivals.
When are applications due?

Applications for returning vendors are due by December 31st of each year. This does not guarantee acceptance, just that they will receive their same space if they are approved. All applications, new and returning, are reviewed and approved by the committee each year. Applications close no later than August 15th of each year to allow us to finalize booth placement and get confirmation letters out in a timely manner. *We reserve the right to close applications for the current festival year prior to August 15th at the discretion of the committee.
Do you allow distribution of information (ie. handing out flyers or pamphlets?

We insist on no solicitation of any kind including, but not limited to, distribution of samples, promotional items, flyers, pamphlets, political information, or business cards. Applefest is a private event, and anyone found doing the above will be asked to leave the festival immediately.
Can we carry signs or posters or set up a display on the fairgrounds property?

No banners, displays, posters, or other signage may be carried or staged in the festival or parking area.
Can we come sing or play music in the festival area for tips? Can we do it for free?

No Busking or musical performances without an authorization letter and confirmation letter from the Country Applefest committee. But, please contact us! We would love to be able to come to an agreement to allow a limited number of performers set up in areas to entertain the guests!
How do I become a vendor?

Applications are available in the festival office during the festival, or you can complete the application found on the Vendor Pages of this website. All items sold must be handmade and or self designed. We do not permit any reselling of purchased goods or direct sales, such as, but not limited too, Tupperware, Thirty-One, Scentsy, etc.
Can we walk around and sell items or services?

No. No sales are permitted outside of an assigned and confirmed booth space.
Do you allow informational, service, or political booths?

No, we allow only arts, crafts, and food.