We had the best time yesterday - Apple Butter Day!
The family that hosts gets apples from a local orchard -- the apple are donated- and are the ones that are "seconds". Early in the morning the day of the event - they start making apple butter in old copper kettles , over an open flame. My Aunts and others peel the apples the day prior. My Uncle Ronnie takes his team of work horses and there are hay rides all day long-- and we go back to the woods and can pick up Buckeyes ( Go Bucks!) if desired. The ride is just beautiful! My cousin Peggy, who lives down the road always plants a pumpkin patch, and there are free pumpkins for everyone. Her husband Tom brought a wagon with at least 100 pumpkins yesterday. Sack races, a band, wood carving, and decorated gourds were a few of the activities this year. Of course we have to eat-- so - everyone brings a covered dish, and they roast a hog. The garage is packed full of tables -- food heaping from each one! Homemade noodles, chili, cornbread and bean "stations" were also set up. Later in the day, the Apple butter canning begins. There are long tables set up-- and each person has a job. They make tags that say- "Dipper" - "Lidder" "Tapper" Transporter" etc for each "line". The kettles sit at the end of the tables, and in assembly line fashion, the apple butter is canned. Each person leaves with a pint or two ( or more depending on how many you have in your family) of apple butter. I didn't hear the total for this year-- but last year they canned 300 pints in 15 minutes. It's timed-- and that was a record!!! Each line has a "forman". Such a FUN time, with lots of laughs. We needed a day like that. It was a beautiful drive to Utica. We picked up my Mom and Don along the way, and met Dad and Sharon there. Lots of cousins, and friends. My brothers and sister had various other things going on-- so they missed out , although we did get apple butter for them. Lots of work for many people, but the good food, friends and laughs were appreciated! Pictures to follow  |
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| You make me miss home so much with your stories!
I was just talking to my Grandma last night in Sparta... That sounds like so much fun  |
Donner's Mom wrote: You make me miss home so much with your stories!
I was just talking to my Grandma last night in Sparta...  Sorry. You should visit |
I have to soon, my grandma is not getting any younger 
Just turned 91 last month but, still bowls on a league every Weds in Fredricktown 
Next time I come up we should try to get together! |
Donner's Mom wrote: I have to soon, my grandma is not getting any younger
Just turned 91 last month but, still bowls on a league every Weds in Fredricktown Next time I come up we should try to get together! I would LOVE that! |
Can I be part of your family for that wonderful sounding day  |
| I LOVE traditions and this one sounds like great fun!! |
| Heck, the pumpkins & gourds would be enough to get me there! Sounds like a great time was had by all.
This coming weekend is our annual trek to Roscoe Village for their Apple Butter Stirring Festival. Not nearly as fun sounding as yours was but still a good time. Usually a nice drive with lots of color, a very nice craft show, good eats etc. If we go Saturday we stop on the way home & eat at an Amish restraurant & shop at a cheese house. If we go Sunday (only if the weather is better) we miss out on the last 2 things as they are closed on Sundays. |
| I love Roscoe Village!
Grilled corn on the cob....yummy! |
jean wrote: Can I be part of your family for that wonderful sounding day
OF COURSE you can!!! Anyone and everyone is always welcomed as family with us! |
Aw, I love family stories like that, it makes me feel happy  |
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