Last Updated on September 30, 2026 1:05 pm
VALLE CRUCIS, NC — A hint of cooler temperatures means it's time to start thinking about autumn and the 48th annual Valle Country Fair (VCF). The popular High Country tradition returns from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 on the fairgrounds across from the Valle Crucis Conference Center on NC 194 one mile north of Broadstone Road, bringing thousands of fairgoers together for a day of music, food, crafts and neighbors helping neighbors.
What began at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1979 as a small church bazaar has grown into a regionally significant fall festival. In 2025 alone, the Fair raised $83,355 for High Country charities and those in need. Since its inception, the Valle Country Fair has raised more than $1.4 million and distributed 100 percent of its proceeds in grants to 128 charitable organizations in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties while assisting thousands of individuals and families with essentials like fuel oil, medical bills, and rent.
Behind the scenes, preparations are well underway.
Parking and traffic teams are coordinating with the local sheriff's office to make sure everyone is prepared for Fair day. Volunteers from Parkway School, who have managed parking for several years, are training volunteers from Valle Crucis School to take over the job. The new team will shadow the Parkway veterans this year before assuming full responsibility in 2027.
Then there are the tents.
“It all becomes real when the big white tents go up on the fairgrounds,” said VCF co-chair Julie Gates. Those oversized tents shelter the food booths and dining area, while the nearby red barn becomes the Fair's main stage and music venue. “Roadies” will set up microphones and amplifiers for a day of homegrown bluegrass, country and gospel music. Performers scheduled to appear include Jim Lloyd, Tom Shirley, Fern Hill, Graydon Sheppard, Parker's Mandolins and Redbud Bluegrass.
Three refrigerated container units arrive ahead of Fair day to keep perishable food cold, including burgers and hot dogs, lettuce and French fries. Moe's BBQ arrives with pulled pork and Brunswick Stew on Fair day.
And then there is the apple butter.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sugar are ready to be added to boiling applesauce as the Apple Butter Gang fires up its big copper kettles. The sweet, spicy treat will be made on site Friday and Saturday over open fires, continuing a Fair tradition that draws its own loyal following.
The Holy Cross congregation is also busy in the church kitchen, where Saturdays have become canning days. First-time volunteers join experienced cooks in washing jars, chopping fruit and vegetables, and firing up pressure cookers to produce dozens of varieties of homemade jams, jellies, chutneys, relishes and pickles. The results will be ready for fairgoers on Saturday, October 17.
Volunteer Coordinator Mary Pietan said the response to calls for volunteers has been enthusiastic. “Efforts to complete the list of positions to be filled is coming along nicely,” Pietan said, “But we can always use more people. I'm not turning anyone away.”
Held annually on the third Saturday in October, the Valle Country Fair spreads across the grounds of the Valle Crucis Conference Center off NC 194 just north of Broadstone Road. Admission is free, with ample parking available in the adjoining field for $10 per car.
The 2026 Valle Country Fair is sponsored by Curtis Media Group and Mountain Times Publications, with support from the Watauga Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The Fair is hosted by Holy Cross Episcopal Church in cooperation with the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Those interested in volunteering may email vcf.volunteer26@gmail.com. For more information, email VCF.chairs@gmail.com or visit vallecountryfair.org.
📷 Trish Lanier
