51st Apple Butter Festival this weekend

By Olive Overmoyer, The Miami Student

This weekend's Apple Butter Festival at the Pioneer Farm in Hueston Woods has a lot more to offer than just the festival's namesake.

Since 1965, this fall event has brought together the Oxford community to learn about the early pioneers and the history of this small, Ohio town. This year, they are expecting about 2,500 to 3,000 people, some from as far away as Cincinnati, Dayton and parts of Indiana.

The Apple Butter Festival will be celebrating its 51st year this weekend with over 20 exhibitors. There will be historical firearm demonstrations, blacksmithing and a display of historic coins. Those in attendance will learn all about what it was like to be an early pioneer in Oxford.

"I hope that students take away a spirit of exploring some of Oxford's history," said Robert Carmean, the event's coordinator.

Apple butter will be made in giant, iron kettles on site. Guests will be able to purchase the apple butter after its cooked and canned.

Pioneer demonstrations will not be the only entertainment at the festival. This year, the Worley Boys, a traditional bluegrass family band, will join the Apple Butter Festival, along with other new artists, activities and vendors.

"I hope there are some crafts, games and activities to participate in," said Danielle Regan, a first-year Miami student.

Debra Bowles, a local seventh-generation farmer will be selling her goods here for the first time. As the owner of Artistry Farms, she will be selling goat milk soap, goat cheese and local pure beeswax candles. Using her grandmother's recipe, she molds the soap in old Coca-Cola crates and cuts all the bars by hand.

"I have been a part of the community for years and years," Bowles said. "I have decided to give back."

During the festivities, there will be plenty of dining options for guests. In addition to Oxford Coffee Company providing hot beverages, there will be Funnel cakes, kettle corn and some fresh fall produce from local farms.

"We like to provide a little bit of variety," Carmean said when listing the plethora of activities and entertainment available for guests.

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Kids and adults alike can enjoy the petting zoo with alpacas and other farm animals, pioneer crafts and woodworking. There will even be people spinning and weaving onsite. Guests will also be able to purchase leather goods, jewelry and pottery.

"I want to experience all that Oxford has to offer," said Regan.

The 51st Annual Apple Butter Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4 at the Hueston Woods Pioneer Farm. Admission is $4 per adult and admittance is free for children under 12.