MacQueen Orchards, 7605 Garden Road, Holland will host the 39th annual Apple Butter Festival and Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3.
The event will feature apple butter being prepared in a giant copper kettle over an open fire. The fresh apple butter will be available to sample and purchase. Under the big tent will be area craftsmen displaying their arts. There also will be pony, children’s and barrel train rides, along with a petting zoo, face painting and sand art.
An apple pie contest will take place at noon Saturday.
To participate, pick up a registration form at the market and return it by October 1. Food will be available throughout the two-day festival including barbecue chicken and ribs, sandwiches, hot dogs, gyros and more.
In keeping with the apple theme, there will be caramel apples, home-baked apple pies, apple dumplings and apple fritters. Additionally there will be sweet rolls, donuts, specialty breads, cookies, roasted almonds and kettle corn. Visitors interested in picking their own apples are invited to explore the apple orchard for a nominal fee. The orchard will supply one-half bushel bags. Patrons also can pick their own pumpkins in time for Halloween.
Free entertainment will take place throughout the festival. On Saturday, the schedule calls for Gravity Dance to perform at 11 a.m., followed by Johnny Rodriguez, noon, and Back 40 Band at 2 p.m.
On Sunday, the Chris Brown Band kicks the day off at 10 a.m., followed by Word of Mouth DJ Benny Roschmann at noon and Duane Malinowski Polka Band at 2 p.m.
The annual festival is free and open to the public.
