59th Annual Apple Butter Makin’ Days In Mount Vernon
From October 10-12 the Courthouse Square in Mount Vernon transforms into a hub of warmth, community, and nostalgic charm, welcoming visitors to one of the Ozarks’ most beloved fall festivals. This free event draws in an estimated 100,000 people from all over the country, and it’s easy to see why! The heart of Apple Butter Makin’ Days lies in the festival’s time-honored tradition of slow-cooking apple butter in large, antique copper kettles over open fires on the courthouse lawn. Visitors have the opportunity to stir the brew, just like generations before them. So come enjoy live music from local and regional artists; featuring everything from country and rock n’ roll, to fiddle and folk!
Booth and Festival Hours:
- Friday – 9am- 6pm
- Saturday – 9am- 5pm
- Sunday – 10am- 4pm
Apple butter cooking begins just before dawn each day. Sunday church service by Summit Baptist Church starts at 9am.
A Sampling of Festival Foods:
- Apple Dumplings
- Caramel Apples
- Bratwursts & Polish Sausage
- Pork Rinds
- Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Cheesecake
- Funnel Cake
- Roasted Corn on the Cob
- The Famous Cattlemen’s Steak Sandwich
- And of Course, Apple Butter!
Apple Butter Makin’ Days began in 1967 as a fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations, and they hold true to that foundation to this day. Food vendors are strictly Lawrence County non-profit organizations and raise funds for local churches, youth clubs, and civic organizations.
Contests Patterned After the Fun of Yesteryears:
- Terrapin Race
- Pedal Tractor Race
- Pet Parade
- Bubble Gum Blowing Contest
- Apple Pie Eating Contest
- Mustache and Beard Contest
- Husband Calling
- Weiner Dog Races
- Crowning of the Apple Butter Queen & Princess
Freedom On The Mother Road Parade, Featuring: 
- Floats
- Numerous Bands
- Antique Cars
- Horses
- Awards Ceremony
- Tribute Floats Honoring Veterans and Military Heroes
- And More, All in the Spirit of Route 66!
Helpful Tips!
It may be a good idea to bring a stroller for the comfort and safety of younger children, as well as a lawn chair for the parade. Unless your pet is in the pet parade, this event discourages animals due to a lack of grassy space and hot asphalt that could hurt their feet. ATMS are available onsite as some vendors may be cash only. Parking is available at Mt. Vernon Elementary and Mt. Vernon Middle School, as well as First Baptist Church. Shuttles will run to ferry people from these lots to the event. If the lots fill up, there is also free street parking. If you want to make a trip of it, nearby lodging includes Best Western and USA Inn. There are also a collection of RV Sites including Rest and Roll On, Longhorn Arena, and Beagle Bay RV Haven & Campground. The parade is held on Saturday morning and goes east on Sloan before turning north on Hickory, then winding around the historic courthouse and ending at Gibbs Park on the corner of Market and South. The parade starts at 9am sharp, so arrive early to get a good spot. Parade day can be incredibly busy, so the festival recommends coming as early as 7am to secure your place.