MOUNT GILEAD — A variety of food, entertainment and contests was enjoyed by those attending the annual Mount Gilead State Park Apple Butter Festival on Oct. 14.

Under blue skies with warm temperatures those dining at the breakfasts served on Saturday and Sunday mornings, broke all records with nearly 1,000 served by the park’s Volunteers in the Park (VIPs).

There was entertainment throughout the day and the traditional bean soup supper was served in late afternoon. Trick or treating and costume and pet costume judging were also part of the day’s events.

Apple butter was made and sold (out) with assistance from six area boy scout troops. This process began Friday with peeling of the apples by the VIPs and community members. Stirring throughout the night and Saturday morning were Boy Scout troop members. Apple Cider was also made and sold.

Scouts volunteered from Marion Township (26); Marion (50); Mt Gilead (56); New Washington (106); Iberia (35) and Columbus (613).

Pumpkin decorating winners were: ages 0-3: Linda Sosa, first; Isabella Meade, second and Ryder Maynard, third; ages 4-6: Arayah Stitturns, first Lisa Sosa, second and Jackson Maynard, third; ages 7-10: Sara G, first; Abby Woody, second and Lilly Sosa, third; ages 11-14: Allen Gray, first and Emma Powell, second; ages 15 and up: Jeffery HemiHan, first and Rhonda, second.

First place campsite winner was Carol Carsner, most original; Gary Dilsaver, best Fall and Michelle Monza, Best Halloween.

Luke Waldo from Boy Scout Troop 50, Marion, takes his turn stirring apple butter at the Mount Gilead State Park Apple Butter Festival held Saturday. Troop 50 was one of six Boy Scout Troops helping to stir the apple butter in its cooking process.
http://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/10/web1_Luke-Waldo-stirring-apple-butter.jpgLuke Waldo from Boy Scout Troop 50, Marion, takes his turn stirring apple butter at the Mount Gilead State Park Apple Butter Festival held Saturday. Troop 50 was one of six Boy Scout Troops helping to stir the apple butter in its cooking process.

By Evelyn Long

The Sentinel