ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) — Apples were not the only fruit featured at Erwin’s Apple Festival.

Mellissa Szucs made sure to have an ample supply of lemons at her Southern Belles Gourmet Lemonade Stand, ready to quench the thirst of festival-goers.

Szucs mentioned that after last year’s cancellation due to Hurricane Helene, this year’s lemonade was especially sweet.

“Everyone’s thrilled that the Apple Festival is happening this year,” she remarked. “It’s celebrating its 40th anniversary. There’s just a lot of positive vibes and energy at the festival. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the weather is lovely. We all feel fortunate.”

Szucs said the Apple Festival is a time when families and former classmates come together.

“Often, people plan class reunions or family gatherings around the Apple Festival. It seems like the first week of October becomes a memorable weekend that everyone eagerly anticipates each year.”