The United Methodist Women of Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Shelby will host their annual Apple Butter Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 from 9 a.m., until 3 pm. The church is located at 1207 W. Dixon Blvd., Shelby.

According to information from church officials, the festival originally began in October 2015 and was a resounding success, selling out by 10:30 the morning of the very first event.

Said one church official affiliated with the event, "Its purpose has always been to build community within the church as well as outside of the church, and to raise funds for community needs and global missions."

She also noted the first event was accidentally planned the same day of the Liver Mush Festival, but the Aldersgate United Methodist Women decided to continue to have the Festival on the same day as a piggyback event.

"Each year the festival is slightly different but the quality of the apple butter remains the same and sales have continued to grow each year," she said, adding, "This year there will be music, a car show, many vendors, and a visit from Santa Claus."

Event coordinator, Joan Fogle, noted, "We will cook Monday through Thursday, from 8-3, next week," adding this was the eighth year for the festival. "Join us for food, fun and fellowship," she said. "Food vendors will be serving breakfast, lunch, baked goods, ice cream and of course Apple Butter! We will also have live bands performing all day, a classic car cruise- in, and activities for children of all ages. All proceeds benefit community needs, and global missions."

Ms. Fogle noted also the Shopper "...did an excellent article for our first year and we really appreciate that." Fogle said they have raised "over $80,000 since 2015."

For more information about this event call Aldersgate United Methodist Church at (704) 487-8491. You can also view their web site at https://aldersgateshelby.org/join-us/apple-butter-

festival/, or visit them on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/aldersgateshelbync/