Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival always synonymous with autumn
COSHOCTON – There’s something special about autumn in Roscoe Village. Perhaps it’s the splendor of the scenery in central Ohio’s rolling hills, the crisp mornings and warm afternoons, and the smoky-sweet scent of homemade apple butter simmering over an open fire that combine to make the Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival in Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton synonymous with fall. Now in its 46th year, the Apple Butter Stirrin’ has attracted crowds of all ages to our restored 1800s canal town to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of the season.
The three days of Apple Butter Stirrin’ officially begin on Friday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. with the opening of the craft booth-lined street. The crafters and artisans offer unique handmade items including jewelry, paintings, pottery, home and garden goods, and many other delightful finds. Of course, no stroll through the festival would be complete without sampling the tempting food. Just a few delectable offerings you’ll find include home-made vegetable soup, apple butter burgers, steak sandwiches, sweet potato fries, cinnamon-roasted nuts, and kettle corn. Some of the educational activities taking place during the festival are the outdoor living demonstrations, wood working, spoon making, throwing pottery, and flintknapping.
Roscoe Village is a restored canal town that flourished in the early 1800s as the Ohio and Erie Canal wound its way through Ohio, and many of the original buildings still stand along the original canal bed. Costumed interpreters spin the tales of the early 19th century during a Canal Town Journey tour which is included in the festival admission. A nearby canal boat offers a taste of life on the canal with its horse-drawn rides. On Friday and Saturday evening, the eerie candlelight tour, Spirit of Roscoe, will be offered at 7 p.m. at a cost of $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for students. This autumn tour walks the guests through our historic village while telling the tales of the spirited folk who once made this quaint canal town their home. Reservations are recommended for the candlelight tour.
Throughout the weekend, younger visitors can enjoy the kids’ activity area complete with tin punching, various crafts, and photo opportunities. An annual quilt raffle will be held for a chance to win a handmade quilt made by the Roscoe Village volunteer quilters. All the weekend’s events are accented by musical entertainment with performances by traditional dulcimer players, bluegrass bands, gospel singers, and country music artists.
The festival runs October 16, 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Category: Arts & Entertainment