Apple Butter Festival, October 12, 2019
What a gorgeous day for a festival! Perfect weather and a record turnout made our 42nd annual apple butter festival FANTASTIC! Thank you to everyone that came out and to our many wonderful volunteers. Your support makes this possible.
A few new things to note: Our master apple butter maker debuted a new recipe sweetened with honey rather than the traditional sugar. I think it has a lighter taste and love that we were able to use local honey. It was such a hit that we ended up making 1,650 jars!
For the first time ever we offered sponsorships for the festival. We had a terrific response from local businesses and individuals and are so thankful. As a grassroots nonprofit, ECPS is run entirely by volunteers. The sponsorships gave us start-up money for festival supplies and costs - and put us ahead in our profits. (Every jar of apple butter sold counts!) Please consider the generosity and community involvement of our sponsors when choosing local businesses to support. (Click on the thumbnails to enlarge or visit websites.)
A few new things to note: Our master apple butter maker debuted a new recipe sweetened with honey rather than the traditional sugar. I think it has a lighter taste and love that we were able to use local honey. It was such a hit that we ended up making 1,650 jars!
For the first time ever we offered sponsorships for the festival. We had a terrific response from local businesses and individuals and are so thankful. As a grassroots nonprofit, ECPS is run entirely by volunteers. The sponsorships gave us start-up money for festival supplies and costs - and put us ahead in our profits. (Every jar of apple butter sold counts!) Please consider the generosity and community involvement of our sponsors when choosing local businesses to support. (Click on the thumbnails to enlarge or visit websites.)
Apple Butter Festival, October 13, 2018
Was it just me, or did this year's apple butter seem especially sweet? Record rainfall made the apples extra juicy, cooking down to a naturally thicker, sweeter butter. If you haven't tried our no sugar added apple butter yet, give it a try next year. These apples are so good you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference.
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Although under restoration, Wallace Tavern was open for business! Many
chose to share a bite with friends and enjoy period music by the warmth of the fire. Special thanks to our fine musicians, Brian McCandless and Eve Poteet. |
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The Big Stir, October 6, 2018
With so much rain this spring the annual ECPS members picnic was postponed repeatedly until we thought it might never happen. That's how the Big Stir came about. One week before the Apple Butter Festival we make an early batch of apple butter. It's a long day of hard work and camaraderie. So why not make it a party? Members had the opportunity to see the progress being made on the Wallace Tavern restoration and to sign their name on the new wall. It also gave us the chance to unveil our new t-shirts and tote bags. But of course the best part was simply sharing a great meal with friends old and new. And making apple butter!
Family Heritage Day, April 28, 2018
We were finally graced with good weather for our first ever Family Heritage Day. Bluegrass music in the old horse shed was a perfect addition to set the mood. Inside the historic Big Elk Chapel, Emily Kilby gave an interesting talk on the families of Fair Hill. Outside, Cecil County Historical Society provided a delicious lunch. The Big Elk Chapel Ladies Aid Society had a wonderful assortment of baked goods available as well as their cookbook full of history and treasured local recipes. It was a great chance to meet and make new friends. Many thanks to CC Historical Society for organizing the event and inviting ECPS to join in the fun!
Apple Butter Festival, October 14, 2017
The 40th annual Apple Butter Festival was a great success! We had perfect weather and a wonderful gathering of old and new friends. Thank you to all who give their time and talents to carry on this tradition.
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Cecil County Fair, July 2017
We had a great time at the Cecil County Fair last week! Despite wacky weather, we saw lots of old
friends and made some new ones. Our tents took a beating, but as you can see, all was well in the end.
friends and made some new ones. Our tents took a beating, but as you can see, all was well in the end.
Apple Butter Festival, October 8, 2016
Our annual Apple Butter Festival was held last Saturday at the Bee Hive. It was loads of fun and the weather was grand. We appreciate everyone coming to enjoy it. Mark your calendar for next year - the second Saturday in October!
Run for the Ruins 5K, September 17, 2016
Elk Creeks Preservation Society hosted its first annual 5K. We had perfect weather and a good turnout.
Apple Butter Festival, October 11, 2014
Our annual Apple Butter Festival was held last Saturday at the Bee Hive. Many of you braved the cool, damp day to come out and we can't thank you enough.
Centre School Open House, September 7, 2014
ECPS was proud to work with the DNR on the Centre School annual open house. It was wonderful seeing the old schoolhouse surrounded by children again and to be able to share our knowledge of its history and learn more from others. A few visitors had relatives that taught at or attended the school. We're working to compile a book of memories of Centre School, so if you have any tales to tell please get in touch.
Cecil County Fair, July 2014
For the first time, ECPS had a booth at the county fair and, WOW, what fun! It was hot, it was dry (except for that one night when black clouds rolled overhead and I said, "It'll pass, no need to pack up". Oops.), BUT... there was the Young Farmers' ice cream, the Kiwanis Club's lemonade, and the chance to see old friends and make new ones. There was also the opportunity to pay my soaking wet daughter a dollar to surprise a certain politician with a big bear hug. He didn't flinch. So hats off to Delegate David Rudolph for being a good sport. Hats off, too, to all who stopped in at the booth to say hello and share their love of Cecil County and its history. We hope to see you again soon!