Here in Grand Rapids, Ohio, we’re getting ready for company; lots of company, some say 40,000 visitors.
Next Sunday is Apple Butter Fest when the village on the Maumee River rolls out the welcome mat with a variety of attractions. Visitors can expect plenty of good food, musical entertainment, shopping from vendors, local history experiences, and, of course, apple butter.
The Apple Butter Fest is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Society. Funds support various year-round events.
According to Steve Kryder, who is co-chairman of the festival with Chuck Thomas, the preparation of the apple butter from apples to jarred spreads requires the dedication of volunteers who gathered at the Old Fire Station to peel bushes of apples into slices.
Some volunteers attack the peeling mission with only a paring knife while others have more advanced equipment, including apple peelers.
The volunteers peeled 35 bushels of a variety of apples including jonathan, jonagold, empire, and cortland from Hoen’s Orchard in Delta, Ohio.