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Apple butter festival to be held Oct. 20
HOT SPRINGS - Sometime around the 1950s there wasn't anywhere to buy old-fashioned apple butter. Claude and Ruby Broce at Bacova Junction owned kettles and had family who loved to get together in the fall, using apples from there own tree and any others around that would eventually fall to the ground, and be eaten by animals or otherwise go to waste.
At the Broce home, two kettles were made and divided among the families. Neighbors began asking could they by apple butter. Mr. and Mrs. Broce being active members of Eden United Methodist Church, said they would make another kettle, sll the apple butter and the proceeds would be donated to the church. When this word got out, others from the church came to help, thus three kettles became four, then six, up to 13 borrowed kettles. In the early 1980s a member donated her 50-gallon kettle to the project and since then, eight more have been purchased and Eden owns nine "big tubs" all hand-crafted from pure copper. For the past 15+ years, this event has become festival day, and a community reunion with people coming form many states to take part.
The leaves are changing, apples are being harvested and the folks at Eden United Methodist Church near Hot Springs are ready to make apple butter, which has been a tradition for more than 50 years.
Throughout the day and evening hours this week, a steady stream of workers fill the social hall and soon baskets of peeled apples piled high. A banner, hanging above the activities, proclaim, "Jesus is the Apple of our Eye." It is a week of hard work, fun, fellowship and laughter for all who take part. In the early morning darkness of Oct. 20, over glowing fires, nine 50-gallon copper kettles will be filled to the brim. Each kettle must be hand stirred constantly for 8-10 hours. When it has been cooked to the right consistency, sugar and spices are added and then cooked an hour longer, it's time to remove the fire and about 2,500 jars will be filled.
The church plans to make about 500 gallons, which is sold on first come, first served basis. Since a limited amount will be available for sale on festival day, advance orders are suggested. To place advance orders for apple pies or apple butter call (540) 839-2242 or (540) 839-5407. There will be music and entertainment on the church grounds, in a pavilion where the kettles are being stirred. Visitors are welcome to bring a lawn chair.
There will be a display of craft items, fall items, Christmas and special things.
The bake goodies table will include 140 apple pies which may be ordered in advance.
Food offered for sale beginning at 11 a.m. includes barbecued chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, country ham sandwich, and more.
All concessions are provided by Eden United Methodist Church, with proceeds used by the church's building fund.
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