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The Applebutterfest This year on the second Sunday of October, just as it has for the last 31 years, the tiny village of Grand Rapids, 25 miles southwest of Toledo, will host its annual Applebutter Fest. Visitors will witness accurate portrayals of life as it was lived along the Maumee River a century or more ago. The Front Street business district, beginning at Howard Cemetery and continuing past the Town Hall, is transformed into a corridor of early American attractions.
In addition to the applebutter making, the downtown is filled with a
variety of demonstrations and events which will make visitors feel like
they are taking a step back in time. The Town Along the towpath visitors will find living history demonstrations including military groups, mountainmen, and Civil War and pioneer re-enactors. Many of the re-enactors spend Saturday night camped along the Maumee River and are eager to share stories about pioneer life.
For the youngest visitors, pony rides are offered at the log cabin. There is also a children’s activity area sponsored by the Grand Rapids Area Art Council. The Grand Rapids Historical Society, proud sponsor of the Applebutter The only admission fee to the Applebutter Fest is the parking fee. The money is used to pay for parking lot rent and maintenance, free bus shuttle rides, traffic control officers and payments to the organizations which man the parking operations. Like to See More? Click for Slide Show!
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Applebutter
is the fest’s main feature. Three 50 gallon copper kettles are
cooked in the Village Park during the festival. Townsfolk and
guests make the applebutter near the restored Town Hall. More than
1,400 pints of applebutter are ready for sale when the fest opens with
another 1,400 jars being prepared the day of the fest. Anyone wanting to
stir and experience the camaraderie around the kettles as neighbors did
years ago is welcome.
Hall Park hosts pioneer skills demonstrations including blacksmithing,
tole painting, bobbin lace making, and tatting lace. There is also
a birds of prey exhibit, a voyageur camp life demonstration, and candle
dipping.
Several
stages are set up in the downtown area for musical entertainment.
Performers throughout the day include bands, folk and other musical
groups, barbershop groups, and the Linenkugle Dulcimer Group.
There are also magicians and other entertainers performing throughout
the day.
Fest, uses funds raised from this event to promote pride in the
community. Projects of years past have included the Log Cabin
Information Area, extensive maintenance of the historic Town Hall, the
brick walkway on Lincoln Street, and the maintenance of Bluebell
Island.