Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 15, 1995 TAG: 9509150082
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TODD JACKSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But one day a year, all that is put aside.
The quaint, scenic town nestled in the Franklin County hills becomes the backdrop for a celebration that continues to grow in popularity.
Saturday marks the 18th Boones Mill Apple Festival.
"Poor ol' Boones Mill has so many black eyes," said Francis Murray, wife of festival chairman Homer Murray. "This is one thing that's good."
The Murrays live in a turn-of-the-century home overlooking the town.
And the festival - planned and sponsored by the Boones Mill Lion's Club - is their pride and joy.
They had the idea of an apple festival 18 years ago, and Homer Murray has been the festival's chairman since its inception.
Murray, 86, said he received more vendor requests than he could accommodate this year.
"We just don't have room to put 'em all," said Murray, the Boone District representative on the county Board of Supervisors.
A total of 54 vendors from as far as Orlando, Fla., will sell a range of items. There will be an antique tractor pull, pony rides for the kids, live bands, crafts, games, and, of course, the parade that always ends the festival.
Politicians will abound, including Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, a Democrat, who is the grand marshal for this year's parade.
He joins the list of prominent politicians who have served as grand marshal, including former governor Doug Wilder, also a Democrat, and U.S. Sen. John Warner, R-Va.
There is no admission charge, and Francis Murray says the hardest thing festival goers will face all day is finding a parking place.
About 2,000 people attended the first Apple Festival, Homer Murray said. Last year, that number had grown to an estimated 10,000.
To get to Boones Mill from the north, take U.S. 220 out of Roanoke and travel about eight miles to the town limits. From the south, take U.S. 220 out of Martinsville and travel about 40 miles.
The festival will start at 10 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. with the parade and a concert by the Franklin County High School band.
by CNB