Bill would make inaugural High Country event the official state Fried Apple Pie Festival

A bill has been filed in the North Carolina Senate to designate the Fried Apple Pie Festival in Sparta as the state’s official version.

It's a pretty impressive move, considering the High Country town has yet to host its first festival in celebration of the treats.

The inaugural event is scheduled for May 6. It’s being planned as an annual gathering, taking place on the first Saturday in May.

Senate Bill 85, the legislation written to give the festival state-recognized status, was sponsored by Republican Ralph Hise whose district includes Alleghany County. 

The handheld half-moon-shaped pies have long been an Appalachian tradition.

The festival plans include food trucks, live music performances and craft vendors. Awards for the best fried apple pies will be voted on by those in attendance.