Tens of thousands of people flocked to Clinton over the weekend for the 55th annual Apple ‘N Pork Festival. The festival, which is held as a fundraiser for the C.H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, attracted more than 50,000 visitors on Saturday alone. With over 80,000 expected to attend, the event showcased a variety of attractions, including food vendors, historical demonstrations, and live entertainment.
For many long-time attendees like Kelby McMath, who has been coming to the festival for over 30 years, the event holds a special place in their hearts. McMath, a volunteer and member of the DeWitt County Museum Board of Directors, expressed his love for keeping the county’s history alive through the museum and how the festival plays a vital role in achieving that.
Joey Long, director of the C.H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, highlighted the importance of community involvement and pride in making the festival a success. The entire town comes together to put their best foot forward, welcoming visitors from all over. The event also serves as a major fundraiser for local organizations like the Rotary Club of Clinton, who were selling pulled pork sandwiches to improve Rotary Park.
Food remains a major attraction at the festival, with more than 25 local nonprofits operating food vendors. From pork burgers to apple cakes and homemade root beer, attendees can savor a variety of delicious options. But the signature dish of the festival is the ham and beans, a tradition that dates back to its founding.
Apart from the culinary delights, the festival provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about history through various demonstrations and exhibits. Rope-makers, blacksmiths, chairmakers, and basket weavers offer a glimpse into traditional crafts. Visitors can also enjoy a magician performing Victorian-era tricks and even meet an Abraham Lincoln impersonator.
The festival didn’t just attract local attendees; visitors from other states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana, as well as international travelers from places like Thailand, also joined in the fun. The festival acts as a high school reunion for many residents who have moved away, allowing them to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about their hometown.
In addition to the entertainment and historical demonstrations, the festival featured a flea market with around 300 different sellers. Attendees could find a wide range of items, including home decor, furniture, antiques, crafts, and pottery.
The success of the festival goes beyond the enjoyment it provides; proceeds made by food vendors are donated back to their respective organizations. The event serves as a reminder of the community’s support for local nonprofits and their important work.
As the festival came to an end, volunteers like Nathan Lippert, who has been involved for over 22 years, continued to work diligently. They prepared a staggering 600 gallons of ham and beans throughout the weekend, ensuring that every visitor could have a taste of this traditional dish.
Overall, the Apple ‘N Pork Festival in Clinton proved once again that it is a cherished tradition for locals and a beloved attraction for visitors near and far. The combination of delicious food, historical demonstrations, and a strong sense of community ensures that the festival will continue to thrive for years to come.
