For festivals in Missouri there are few others with the draw that the Apple Butter Festival in Kimmswick has. The small historic town of Kimmswick is only 25 miles south of St. Louis. It's a great place to visit at any time for its boutique shopping, historical buildings, delicious restaurants and much more. During this two-day festival, people migrate to Kimmswick to partake in all the fun activities. The festival draws approximately 120,000 people, which is in sharp contrast to the roughly 160 residents that call the city home. This is a festival intended to attract all ages and backgrounds. They feature over 600 different vendors selling almost everything you can imagine. There are at least 40 different vendors selling food, meaning that even the pickiest eaters will have plenty of food options to choose from during the festival.
Kimmswick takes a great amount of pride in their town, festival and the apple butter that thousands come to enjoy. The Kimmswick Historical Society takes the making of the apple butter very seriously, only using a recipe that has been handed down since the festival's inception. Members begin the Friday before the festival by peeling a massive amount of apples. During the festival, members dress up in period appropriate costumes and stir the mixture in large copper cauldrons for up to eight hours or when the butter is at its best consistency. You’ll come for the apple butter and stay for the charming community and friendly people. We interviewed Event Representative, Connie Schmitt, about the festival and the abundance of activity within.
RAL: How long has the festival been running?
CS: Most people say this should be the 39th year… Of course no one took notes of the first one, it was very small and has grown each year.
RAL: How many people does the festival annually draw and who are they?
CS: We have about 600 vendors and 120,000 visitors throughout the weekend. As far as demographical makeup we attract everyone. There are children’s activities and kids love all the excitement. It’s a nice family event! We have many families that are “split up”, with part of their extended family living to the north and some to the south. They make this a yearly tradition by meeting in the middle. It’s a great time for couples as well because they can walk around, listen to music, and stop at all the shops. It's easier to do in a small group. This is one of the largest events in Missouri, and there is literally something for everyone.
RAL: Take me through a typical day at the festival including activities and dining.
CS: Some of the kids activites are pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, clowns, race car simulators and an appearance by Snow White. Adults will love the tastings from three different wineries, shopping, and the assortment of vendors selling their wares. All ages will enjoy the live music and meeting new people. Our two restaurants will be open and there are also over 40 different food vendors located throughout the town. This is a fun overall environment with lots to do. This is a small town, people love to walk around and look at the old buildings.
RAL: Is there a event or location that people are attracted to during the festival?
CS: Yes, the apple butter making brings the guests to this small town. The recipe has been passed down since the beginning of the festival. The historical society members dress in period appropriate costumes and stir the delicious apple butter in huge copper kettles starting in the early hours of the festival weekend. The usually sell out of the coveted apple butter by early Sunday afternoon.
RAL: Tell me about the local lodging situation.
CS: We are sorry to say that lodging is lacking in the immediate area. The closest lodging is three to five miles away on Highway 55. Most of the motels in a 20 mile radius are completely filled during the festival.
RAL: What does the festival mean to the community?
CS: This event is the main draw to our beautiful city. Many of our visitors fall in love with Kimmswick during the festival and then come back at a later date to check out the shops and community with the massive crowds. This event produces over 80% of the city's revenue and gives local businesses a large boost to their sales.
RAL: Why should people come to the festival?
CS: This is such a fun event that there is something for everyone no matter how young or old. Kimmswick is a great community that welcomes festival goers with open arms. Come join us and find out why thousands of others make this a can't miss festival each fall.
For more information on this festival please visit their website.