GRAND RAPIDS — Since 1977, the Applebutter Fest in Grand Rapids has provided the opportunity to experience the area’s rich history with a blend of historical re-enactments, artisan crafts, live music, delectable food, and, or course, applebutter.
The event is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Society, and all money raised supports nonprofit groups, local school activities, improvements to the Town Hall, and other projects in the village. The fest is always held on the second Sunday of October, which is the 13th this year. Hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. An army of local volunteers is on hand to help with the event.
Appreciation is extended to the following corporate sponsors for their support: Amplex Internet, Kleinfelder, Wood County Hospital (sponsor of the Children’s Area), and Childers Limousine Service.
Entertainment will be presented throughout the day. The Wes Linenkugel Quartet will be performing in Howard Park next to the Town Hall. These talented musicians will be performing on hammered dulcimer, fiddle, bass, and guitar. The Glass City Dixieland Band will be playing from 9-11 a.m. in the Beaver Creek Music Tent. They will be followed by Crabgrass from noon-2 p.m. High-energy bluegrass music is their specialty. From 3-5 p.m., the tent will feature Ol’ Creek Road playing folk, bluegrass, gospel, Americana, and 1970s tunes. The Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps will entertain visitors from 11 a.m.-noon near the Old Fire House and again at 1:30 p.m. on the towpath.
The Children’s Area next to Snyder’s Pizza will feature Mike Hemmelgarn (comedic juggler/ventriloquist) at 10 a.m. and noon; The Royal Jokers (jugglers) at 11 a.m.; Joe Lyons (comedy magician and puppeteer) at 1 and 3 p.m.; Glovation Circus (hula hoops, rolla bolla, and more) at 2 p.m.; and students from Defying Gravity Dance Studio at 4 p.m. The Children’s Area is organized by the Grand Rapids Arts Council and, again, sponsored by the Wood County Hospital.
The kettles of cooking applebutter are located in the Town Hall park, and visitors are welcome to take a turn stirring the spread. Freshly-canned jars will be available for sale nearby. Also in this area are pioneer demonstrations, such as blacksmithing, tole painting, lace making, candle dripping, and more.
On the canal towpath, attendees will find craftsmen, soldiers, and settlers of the pioneer days of the old Northwest Territory. Re-enactors from the Civil War through WW II display their gear, and visitors may even experience a battle on the banks of the Maumee River. Farm and military exhibits are found at the east end of Front Street.
Over 100 juried craftsmen display their handiwork down the middle of Front Street, everything from flower wreaths to paintings to quilts and so much more. There are two craft and collectible areas, one at Wapakoneta and Third Streets and the other near the swimming pool.
There are five large parking lots with free shuttle service into the village. Admission to the fest is free, and parking is only $15 per vehicle. This revenue provides the amenities that visitors enjoy, such as all the entertainment, security, restrooms, and bus transportation.
