The 21st annual Apple Dumpling Festival attracted thousands to Stuart’s historic Downtown area.
A recent transplant to Patrick County, Gretchen Knudson attended her first festival in the town.
“Being new to the community, we want to attend things like this and see what’s actually going on in the community and find out what kind of vendors and home crafters are actually here,” she said.
Knudson said she particularly enjoyed the crafters, especially those who created items out of wood.
“It’s very cool. We’re enjoying it very much,” she said, adding she and her husband plan to attend other events in the future.
Fire time festival attendee Pam Caudill, of Martinsville, said she decided to come to the event on the recommendation of a friend.
Caudill liked the variety of booths and found it “just so interesting to see all the homemade crafts.”
She said when she first arrived at the event, she went straight for the apple dumpling and ice cream. “Somebody told me that they sell out quickly,” she said.
Brian Wigginton, of Patrick Springs, said he’s been attending the event for years.
“I just like to come. I like apple dumplings and seeing everything that’s around and my friends,” he said.
Festival regular Shelby Roop, of Patrick Springs, said she’s been coming to the event for several years.
“We always enjoy coming. We bring out grandchildren, our dogs, and enjoy the music,” she said.
Roop said she and her family try to get to the event somewhat early to make sure they can get a fried apple pie.
“If you don’t get here early you don’t get them,” she said.
Roop enjoyed visiting the different vendor booths set out along Stuart’s Downtown Main Street.
“I like looking around, maybe getting some ideas for Christmas and getting some things,” she said.
