It’s prime apple time! You’ve probably picked apples. And made pie, cobbler, crisp, or caramel apples. Or maybe you’ve enjoyed sliced apples with peanut butter. But have you ever made apple butter? Here’s a chance to see master makers in action!
By Peg Cameron Gill
Apple Butter Makin’ Days (ABMD), one of Missouri’s most popular festivals, has been held on the courthouse square in Mount Vernon each October since 1967. Whether you’re watching a wiener dog race, tasting local food, or learning the secrets to excellent apple butter, you’re in for a treat.
The 2023 festival is October 13–15. Apple butter entrants will start cooking before dawn on Friday the 13th. (Despite the date, it’s actually a lucky day for attendees!) The butter is made using traditional practices in copper kettles over open fires. The proceeds from the sale of the butter help fund charitable causes.
Over the course of the three days, there will be loads of live music, a variety of vendor booths (more than 100), a pet parade, a pageant, some amusing and entertaining contests, like husband calling, apple putting, bubblegum blowing, a terrapin race, a kids pedals tractor pull, and a whole lot more!
You can see the full schedule for each day here.
All contests and events occur on the ABMD stage unless otherwise noted.
Read all about apples– including apple festivals like ABMD and others – here.
For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.
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