A little Groveport history: Back in the day, Groveport was 2 settlements - Wert's Grove and Rarey's Port. Wert's Grove was settled primarily as an orchard and the streets on this side of the village reflect that (Cherry, Oak, Walnut, Grove, etc.) Although there isn't an Apple Street, the residents of Groveport decided Apple Butter Day was a good way to remember the town's start and bring together the community.
Volunteers start weeks before the festival making apple butter from scratch using manual methods (i.e. a copper kettle over a fire and a wooden stirrer on a long pole). Most of this is canned for people to buy at the festival (or at the Heritage Center throughout the year), but some is saved to be reheated the day of the festival and sold with thick pieces of homemade bread for $2 a slice. If nothing else, I have to get a slice of this bread!!
In the meantime, there is entertainment (animals and pony rides for the kids, live music, apple butter making demos, etc.), food (churches and youth groups make better than your average fair food and fudge, lots of fudge), and vendors (get your Christmas shopping done early!).
I think that this event is getting better as it goes on. This last one was packed with people and there was enough going on to keep us down there for several hours! read more