Enjoy apple butter and participate in a pumpkin pie eating contest at AutumnFest!

Last updated: August 30, 2021

Nothing says fall in Mercer County like the Princeton AutumnFest Only four days after the official start of autumn on Sept. 20, this fall festival is one of the most popular in southern West Virginia.  The fun starts at 10 a.m., in downtown Princeton on Mercer Street.

Start off your morning with apple butter …

You don’t want to miss your chance to purchase Mercer County’s favorite apple butter. Carr Memorial United Methodist Church has been making this classic treat for years. Grab a few jars for those chilly mornings.

You will find plenty of vendors up and down the street, ranging from crafts and decor to jewelry and much more. From 8th Street to 5th street, there will be a classic car show. Music in the Dick Copeland Town Square stage will start at 10 a.m.

Looking for kids activities? There will be a free kids pumpkin painting and contest for kids (12 and under), a mobile zip line, monster mash-up for $5 per ride and free bounce houses.  At 10 a.m., there will be a dog show at the Town Square.

Everybody loves to eat at a fall festival.  So just how fast can you eat pumpkin pies? Join the pie-eating contest at 1 p.m. Then, head over to the Mac-n-Cheese Throwdown Bake-off at the Children’s Home Society on Center Street (within walking distance of Mercer Street). You can sample all the delicious recipes and the winners will be announced at 2:15 p.m.  There will other food vendors with popcorn, funnel cakes, hot dogs, sandwiches and more.

Here is a schedule of more activities and events at the town square:

Zumba Party – 11 a.m.-12 noon

Matt Deal- 12 noon – 2:00 p.m.

Young Talent Show 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Lipsync contest 3:30-5:00 p.m.