http://www.caseycountyapplefestival.org/

Casey County Apple Festival, 32 Belden Avenue, Liberty, KY (2026)

06/24/2026

🍎 Way Back Wednesday 🍎

Today we’re taking a trip back to the very beginning of the Casey County Apple Festival!

This photo is believed to have been taken during the very first Casey County Apple Festival Parade. Featured in the picture is a vintage Beard Imp Co. truck, proudly representing one of the businesses that helped make those early festivals special.

The Apple Festival has grown tremendously over the past 52 years, but it all started with community members, local businesses, and volunteers coming together to create something memorable for Casey County. Photos like this help tell that story.

We need your help!

🔍 Do you recognize this truck?
🔍 Do you know anything about Beard Imp Co.?
🔍 Can you identify the people riding in the truck?
🔍 Were you at that very first parade?

We would love to hear your memories, stories, and any information you can share. Please comment below or send us a message. Every detail helps us preserve the history of the Casey County Apple Festival for future generations.

📸 If you have photos from the early years of the festival, we’d love to see those too!

🍎❤️

06/23/2026

🎶 We’re excited to announce that two of the artists performing at the 52nd Annual Casey County Apple Festival have been recognized among the finalists for Kentucky Living Magazine’s Best in Kentucky 2026 in the Kentucky Musician or Band category!

Joining our lineup this year are The Green River Band and JD Shelburne, who were named finalists alongside one of Kentucky’s biggest music stars, Tyler Childers. Kentucky Living selected these three artists as the top finalists in the statewide category, highlighting the incredible talent our Commonwealth has to offer. (Kentucky Living⁠)

JD Shelburne has become one of Kentucky’s most recognized country music artists, performing thousands of shows across the country and making his Grand Ole Opry debut while earning numerous statewide honors throughout his career. (J.D. Shelburne⁠)

The Green River Band, based right here in Columbia, Kentucky, continues to build a strong following with their high-energy performances and deep Kentucky roots. Their recognition as a Best in Kentucky finalist is a testament to the talent found right here in south-central Kentucky. (Kentucky Living⁠)

We’re proud to bring some of Kentucky’s very best musical talent to Liberty this September. If you love great live music, you won’t want to miss these performances during Apple Festival weekend!

🍎 As American as Apple Pie
📅 September 24-26, 2026
📍 Liberty, Kentucky

Who’s excited to see The Green River Band and JD Shelburne take the stage?

🍎🎶

06/23/2026

🍎 Sponsor Spotlight: Kentucky Farm Bureau 🍎

The Casey County Apple Festival is proud to recognize Kentucky Farm Bureau as a valued supporter of our community and our festival.

For generations, Kentucky Farm Bureau has been dedicated to serving the families, farmers, businesses, and residents of Casey County. Their commitment to supporting agriculture, education, youth programs, and community events helps make our county a wonderful place to live and work.

As a strong advocate for Kentucky agriculture and rural communities, Kentucky Farm Bureau understands the importance of preserving the traditions that make Casey County special. Their continued support of the Casey County Apple Festival helps ensure that our cherished traditions can be enjoyed by future generations.

We sincerely thank Kentucky Farm Bureau for their partnership, support, and investment in our community.

Please join us in thanking Kentucky Farm Bureau for helping make the 52nd Annual Casey County Apple Festival possible!

https://www.kyfb.com/casey/

06/22/2026

🍎 Faces Behind The Festival 🍎

Billy Hair

William “Billy” Hair was involved with the Casey County Apple Festival from its very beginning and played an integral role in helping build it into the cherished tradition it is today. As one of the festival’s original volunteers, he dedicated countless hours of service, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure its success year after year.

Among his many contributions were grading apples, working with the apple peeler for the World’s Largest Apple Pie, and stepping in wherever help was needed. Billy exemplified the true spirit of volunteerism, always willing to lend a hand and support the festival in any way he could.

One of Billy’s greatest joys was taking care of the people who made the festival possible. He made sure committee members, volunteers, and the kids working long hours always had a steady supply of food, drinks, and snacks. Whether it was a quick meal, a cold drink on a hot day, or a snack to keep everyone going, Billy understood that taking care of others was just as important as the work itself. His kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness created lasting memories and made everyone feel like family.

His hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment helped lay the foundation for what has grown into one of Kentucky’s largest and most beloved community festivals. Billy Hair’s legacy lives on through the traditions he helped establish, the friendships he fostered, and the generations of volunteers who continue to carry forward the spirit of service he embodied.

The Casey County Apple Festival would not be what it is today without volunteers like Billy Hair. We are proud to honor his memory and celebrate the lasting impact he made on our community and festival family. 🍎❤️

06/19/2026

🍎 Funny Story Friday will be Faithful Story Friday this week!🍎

Even most of our volunteers may not know this story.

A few years ago, just before the World’s Largest Apple Pie was to be served, a loader that was needed to remove the pie from the oven refused to start. What happened next was witnessed by only a handful of people, including Patricia Richardson, and has become one of those unforgettable behind-the-scenes Apple Festival moments.

Today, we are sharing the story of Allen Sparr, a little faith, and a loader that started at exactly the right time. ❤️🍎

06/18/2026

🍎 Little Apples Spotlight 🍎

This week we’re featuring our 2025 Little Miss and Little Mister Casey County Apple Festival, Lanie and Mason!

👑 Little Miss Lanie, age 6

Lanie’s favorite part of the Casey County Apple Festival is riding in the parade, and her favorite memory as Little Miss has been helping serve the World’s Largest Apple Pie. She enjoys softball, baseball, cheerleading, trips to the water park, and loves math at school. When she grows up, she hopes to become a teacher.

Her favorite food is shrimp, cheese, and rice from El Mexicano, her favorite color is pink, and she loves caramel apples. Lanie says little baby kittens make her happy, and she looks up to her mom and dad because they take such good care of her.

Lanie’s advice for future Little Misses and Little Misters? “Smile, wave, and rock the stage!”

Lanie would like to thank her mom, dad and the people who put on the Apple Festival. It’s her favorite time of the year.

👑 Little Mister Mason, age 7

Mason’s favorite thing about the Apple Festival is the pie and pizza, and his favorite part of being Little Mister is getting to go to state with Lanie again. He enjoys playing basketball, baseball, and football, spending time at the park, and riding his miniature pony, Fluffy Dan.

When he grows up, Mason wants to be a farmer just like his dad. His favorite food is steak from Cattleman’s, and his favorite apple treat is applesauce. Mason says his baby sister makes him happy, and his hero is Spider-Man because he always saves the day.

His advice for future Little Misses and Little Misters is simple: “Always have fun, smile, and wave.”

Mason would like to thank Lanie for being his partner!

We are so proud of these two outstanding young ambassadors. Thank you, Lanie and Mason, for representing the Casey County Apple Festival with such kindness, enthusiasm, and big smiles throughout the year! 🍎❤️

06/17/2026

🍎 Way Back Wednesday 🍎

This week, we’re taking a trip back through the early history of the Casey County Apple Festival’s World’s Largest Apple Pie!

The first two photos show Greg Lawhorn and vocational students working on the original pie oven and pie pan that helped make Apple Festival history. These young men played a role in creating one of the festival’s most recognized traditions, and we would love your help identifying them!

The remaining photos capture moments from the pie-making days through the early years, but we’re hoping our Apple Festival family can help fill in some of the missing details. We would love to know:
🍏 What year were these photos taken?
🍏 Who are the people pictured?
🍏 Do you have memories of these events?

We’re also sharing a video featuring festival founders Marion Murphy and George Wolford telling the story of how the Casey County Apple Festival began. Hearing them tell the story in their own words is a wonderful reminder of the vision, hard work, and community spirit that built the festival we know and love today.

Take a look at the photos and watch the video, then share what you know in the comments. Tag friends and family members who might recognize someone or remember these moments. Together, we can help preserve the history of the Casey County Apple Festival for future generations.

❤️🍎 Every tradition has a beginning, and every photo has a story. Help us tell them.

Video link: (Apple Festival Discussion begins around 17:24).
https://youtu.be/rHslJN4JwrI?feature=shared

06/16/2026

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight: Neat Companies 🌟

This week, we are proud to recognize Neat Companies as a valued sponsor of the Casey County Apple Festival!

What began as a small family business in Dunnville has grown into a nationally recognized manufacturer, distributor, and transportation company serving customers across the United States. Founded more than 50 years ago by Greg Neat and his family, Neat Companies continues to operate on the values of faith, family, and community. Today, the company employs more than 200 people and remains committed to supporting the people and communities that have supported them throughout the years. (Kentucky Living⁠)

From agricultural products and transportation services to manufacturing and logistics, Neat Companies has built a reputation for quality, innovation, and outstanding customer service. Their continued investment in local jobs and economic growth has made a lasting impact throughout Casey County and beyond. (Kentucky Living⁠)

The Casey County Apple Festival is grateful for Neat Companies’ support and dedication to our community. Please join us in thanking them for helping make the 52nd Annual Casey County Apple Festival possible!

🍎 Thank you, Neat Companies, for being a part of our festival family! 🍎

Visit their website: https://www.neatcompaniesgroup.com/

06/15/2026

🍎 Faces Behind the Festival: Greg Lawhorn🍎

When the story of the Casey County Apple Festival is told, Greg Lawhorn’s name is always near the beginning.

In the summer of 1974, Greg and fellow founder Marion Murphy were discussing ways to promote Casey County’s apple industry. During that conversation, Marion asked a simple question: What if we baked a huge apple pie? What started as an ambitious idea soon became a challenge Greg was determined to solve.

Using his experience in metal fabrication and the help of students at the Casey County Vocational School, Greg helped design and build the original pie pan and oven. Working alongside Marion Murphy, George Wolford, Malcolm Wolford, and countless volunteers, they had only three months to turn an idea into reality before the first Apple Festival.

The first pie wasn’t without challenges. The pan leaked, modifications were needed, and there were plenty of obstacles along the way. But through hard work and determination, the World’s Largest Apple Pie was born, creating a tradition that has become the centerpiece of the Casey County Apple Festival for more than five decades. 🍎 🥧

Greg has always been quick to share credit, recognizing the students, volunteers, businesses, and community members who helped make the festival successful. In his own words, he never dreamed the festival would grow into what it is today.

One of the greatest testaments to Greg’s legacy is seeing the next generation become involved. Today, his grandson, Caden Lawhorn, serves on the Apple Festival Junior Committee, continuing a family tradition that began when his grandfather helped create the festival in 1974.

From founder to junior committee member, the Lawhorn family’s dedication reminds us that the Casey County Apple Festival is built on generations of volunteers working together to preserve and grow a tradition that means so much to our community. 🍎 🍏

Thank you, Greg, for helping turn an idea into a tradition that continues to bring Casey County together more than 50 years later. 🍎

Were you one of Mr. Lawhorn’s students that helped make the pie pan and oven? Or do you know someone who was? If so, please let us know. We would love to list your/their name in our festival history archives.

A wonderful article written by Mr. Greg Lawhorn about the beginning of the festival is pictured in the photos!
Thanks to Greg and his son Matthew for the information and photos! 😊

🍎

06/12/2026

🍏Funny Story Friday 🍏

🤣 The Great Key Hunt 🔑🗑️

A few years ago, after the Apple Festival had officially wrapped up on Saturday night, the cleanup crew was running on fumes. We were tired, dirty, and more than ready to head home.

There was just one problem…

Terri couldn’t find her keys.

The search began. We checked golf carts. We checked tables. We checked the ground. We checked bags. We checked all the places keys should be.

No keys.

Then Terri remembered she had been picking up garbage and had a sinking feeling that her keys might have ended up in one of the trash bags. So she and Sue grabbed a bag and started digging. They searched and searched, but came up empty-handed.

Just then, Larry walked into the office.

“Did y’all find the keys yet?”

“Nope.”

“I’ll bet they’re in the garbage.”

“We already looked through the garbage. They’re not there.”

Larry wasn’t convinced.

Without saying much else, he slipped on a pair of medical gloves, grabbed the garbage bag, and started sorting through it like a man on a mission.

Less than a minute later…

“Found ’em.”

Sure enough, there were Terri’s keys, hiding in the very garbage bag we had already searched.

At that moment, Larry went from fellow exhausted volunteer to Terri’s personal superhero. After spending just as many long hours at the festival as the rest of us, he somehow still had enough energy—and apparently better garbage-searching skills—to solve the mystery in less than a minute.

Terri was relieved, the rest of us were amazed, and Larry earned bragging rights for finding something an entire group of tired festival volunteers had already looked for and somehow missed.

The moral of the story? After a long week of festival work, sometimes the difference between “lost forever” and “found in 60 seconds” is a pair of medical gloves and a volunteer named Larry. 😂

Casey County Apple Festival

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