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.

The Murphysboro Apple Festival is organized for the purpose of educating the local and regional populace on the importance of the local orchards and horticulture in general; to provide an opportunity for local nonprofits and charities to showcase their organizations and fundraise; to provide the developmentally disabled the opportunity to assist with and participate in a public event; to provide scholarships; to foster community and regional interaction and cooperation; and to promote and support various charitable, governmental and civic organizations and causes through investment in facilities and other property and improvements and direct financial support.

Murphysboro Apple Festival, Inc. Purpose Statement

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.

Appletime Archives

Recent Event & Contest Results

2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results

Apple Festival Souvenir Booklets

The first souvenir book was published in 1957, and a book has been printed each year since then, with the exception of the years 1993 through 1996. The first book, and each book since 1997, has been printed by Schwebel Printing. The 1959 Festival was the first time a theme was introduced, but it wasn't until 1975 that the theme appeared on the book's cover for the first time. Since 1983, when the poster was introduced, that design has appeared on the cover of the souvenir book with the exception of two years.

The Murphysboro Apple Festival has, in its archives, physical copies of each souvenir book which, with the help of Sallie Logan Public Library, have recently been digitized and made available online.

Illinois State Archives
Murphysboro Apple Festival Collections

Thanks to the efforts of Sallie Logan Public Library and the Illinois State Library Illinois History Digital Imaging Grant Program, the entire collection of Appletime Books, print materials, pictures, and memorabilia housed at the library is now available online!

Illinois Digital Archives - Murphysboro Apple Festival