FFA members make and sell apple butter at Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival

The Ridgewood FFA Chapter once again took part in a long-standing fall tradition making and selling apple butter at the Historic Roscoe Village Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival. This event brings together local groups and community members each year to celebrate the season and enjoy homemade treats.

The FFA members began preparing early, peeling, coring and cooking 40 bushels of apples from Yeary Orchards in Adamsville. The apples were turned into applesauce before being cooked in kettles over open fires with a mix of special ingredients to create their signature apple butter. In total the chapter prepared more than 100 gallons of apple butter to sell during the festival weekend.

This year Ridgewood FFA also introduced a new apple butter machine, which made the process more efficient, thanks to the after-school program; Lester McCurdy, MVESC; and Ed Huff, who helped convert the wiring for the new equipment.

Despite the long hours and hard work, Ridgewood FFA members were proud to continue this hands-on tradition that connects agriculture, community and teamwork. Their apple butter remains a favorite and consistently sells out during the festival, showing the local support for both the FFA and the Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival.