1990
With a grant from the Kentucky Arts Council, the support of the Bedford Rotary and unwavering energy of Ray Clem, Judge Executive, the Trimble County Apple Festival was launched. Its original mission was to showcase products of Trimble County, primarily apple orchards; of which there were many back then. Originally, the festival was formed under the umbrella of the Trimble Co. Arts Council, Inc. with proceeds designated for the Bedford Beautification Project. Efforts to that end produced the sale of over 300 trees, explaining the multiple Bradford Pears and Cheery trees that bloom each Spring throughout Bedford. In a Trimble Banner interview, Ray Clem was quoted to say "I think it is important to give back to my community and to always give more than you take." His philosophy epitomizes those who have devoted their time and energy over the years to make sure the Apple Festival is the best it can be for the benefit of the Trimble County community.
1993
During the one day festival there were 40 booths which included food vendors, a blacksmith, wildlife exhibit, crafts, hand bell choir and even a parade.
1995
The event ran one day from 10:30 - 5:00 and had only 3 bands and Cloggers for entertainment.
2002
NO FESTIVAL – After Judge Executive Ray Clem left office, volunteers needed time to regroup plus there was some confusion regarding the actual date of the event.
2003
Festival begins again on the 2nd weekend in September, with vendors, food, & contests.
2007
Little Miss Apple Festival pageant started.
2008
Hurricane Ike halted the Apple Festival early with many scary moments as winds toppled tents, crashed tree limbs down on visitors and rolled straw bales down the street.
2011
Committee reorganized with new volunteers and some of the original members remaining to assist.
2014
The Trimble County Apple Festival, Inc. officially became an IRS recognized nonprofit entity, allowing it to receive donations for its declared mission, "to raise funds for local schools, civic and community groups or activities which support and promote the betterment of our children, citizens and/or community."
2017
Project Prom received a grant and the following groups received donations for their help at the annual festival: Boy Scout Troop 213, New Life Assembly, TCHS Boys Basketball, TCHS Cheerleaders, The Well Church, Trimble County Archery, Trimble County Girl Scouts and Trimble Klunkers.
2018
Grants were distributed to the Trimble County Historical Society, 4-H Camp Scholarship, No Child Hungry, ILEAD Academy
and the Henry/Trimble County Humane Society.
2019
A total of $2,150 in grants were awarded to the following; Bedford Rotary - Scholarships for 2019 graduating Seniors, Bedford Fire & Rescue, Milton Fire & Rescue, Trimble County Elementary School - Art Dept., Trimble County Emergency Management, Trimble County Junior/Senior High School - Science Dept., Trimble County Little League, Trimble County Project Prom, Trimble County Public Library
2020
NO FESTIVAL due to COVID-19 Global Pandemic. 2020 recipients: Trimble County Sheriff’s Department, Trimble County Family Resources Youth Services Center, Hands of Christ/Food Pantry, Tri-County Community Action Partnership and Trimble County Little League.
2021
It was good to hold the Apple Festival this year after a long, stressful year with COVID, although preparing for the event was a little different than previous years. We had a lot more wash stations and hand sanitizing stations, but other than that, the festival continued as usual. People were excited to get back into the swing of things and the event was well attended! We issued grants to the following Trimble County Sheriff's Department, Trimble County Search & Rescue, and Trimble County Family Resource and Youth Services Center.
2022
Apple Festival this year was very well attended! Couldn't ask for a better venue except for a storm that came in on Sunday which caused us to close early. Costs increased with the pandemic and inflation and we did not bring in as much money this year as last year. We were able to issue $1,000 in grants to 4H, Project Prom and our annual scholarship.
2023
It was a great time at the Apple Festival! We had some new vendors and many we've seen for years. There were lots of volunteers who played a part in making the festival a fun experience for everyone. Attendance was down a bit from last year, but we had a great experience and we're looking forward to next year!
2024
We had a new raffle of items donated by vendors to raise money for the Apple Festival. Vendors stepped up and donated some nice items. We appreciate that! We had BEAUTIFUL weather for the festival, and great attendance. We also launched a post-festival vendor survey and had very good reviews!