Provided by Brittni Bates, Director,
Mt. Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce
Apple Butter Makin’ Days (ABMD) is a valued tradition that has continued for more than five decades in Mount Vernon, Missouri. The food and craft festival is scheduled for its 56th year October 7, 8 and 9, 2022. ABMD attracts vendors and attendees from all over the country to Southwest Missouri for exciting activities for all ages, entertainment, shopping, contests, a parade, and, of course, apple butter.
“The fun, ‘old-timey’ atmosphere of this outdoor festival keeps the crowds coming back year after year,” Mount Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce Director Brittni Bates said. “We highlight mostly local, unique, handmade crafts, and a wide variety of music genres are showcased on the ABMD stage headlining some of the best entertainment around.”
Friday morning’s schedule includes children’s games and contests comprising of terrapin and weenie dog races, nail driving and pie-eating contests, a children’s pedal tractor pull, a mustache and beard competition, and the ever-popular queen and princess contests.
“The Saturday morning ABMD parade features Shriner vehicles of all kinds, along with marching bands, floats, horses, antique cars and tractors,” Bates said. “Bring the whole family out to watch the parade and then enjoy fun-filled attractions for all ages Saturday afternoon. Stir the copper pot on the courthouse lawn and learn about the tradition of making apple butter.”
Of course, it takes a coordinated effort from the entire community to make Apple Butter Makin’ Days a continued tradition. The City of Mount Vernon, along with a strong committee and hardworking volunteers, enable the ABMD festival to keep going year after year. Some community members have served on the ABMD committee for nearly 30 years and start planning the event at least 7 months in advance.
These community leaders work in conjunction with the Mt. Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce to bring quality crafters, delicious food from Lawrence County non-profit groups, excellent entertainment, and, of course, apple butter.
“There are not enough words to express how grateful I am for everyone who pitches in to make ABMD a success,” Bates said. “From city officials, grounds keepers, sponsors, chamber members, businesses that donate time and/or services, community members, the non-profit vendors who make and sell apple butter, and all who work behind the scenes should be applauded for everything they do to keep ABMD the best festival of the year.”
Carrying on a legacy event like ABMD when so many other festivals have exhausted their longevity is a tribute to the citizens and businesses of Mount Vernon.
“This one weekend a year puts Mount Vernon on the must-see list for many people across the country. As a chamber, we support our local business growth, encourage economic vitality, and this is a catalyst to help keep those visitors and spending in our region,” Bates said.
Indeed, Mount Vernon is ready again this year to roll out the red carpet for all who are looking to have a great time at this jam-packed celebration.
Apple Butter Makin’ Days
Fast Facts
When: Friday, October 7-Sunday, October 9
Where: Mount Vernon, Missouri, Courthouse Square
History: The original intention began as a community-oriented event that would draw neighbors to the beautiful historic courthouse square.
Cost: There are no entry or parking fees, and the parade, car show and contests are all free to watch. Children’s games and activities, like the powerwheels knockerball, bounce houses and games, have varying fees charged by the vendors. Food and crafts are also purchased at a fee charged by the vendor or crafter.
Complete event schedule/details are available on the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce website at
www.mtvchamber.com. Also, follow the Apple Butter Makin’ Days (Official) page on Facebook.