Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Church

08/20/2026

For generations, apple butter has been more than something simmering in a kettle. It represents Appalachian heritage, community, and the tradition of gathering together.

Check out this video, to learn about the importance of apples and making apple butter in the Appalachian mountains. We’re also reminded of how our apple butter festival began 50 years ago to become a beloved piece of our community’s history.

The Face of Appalachia: EPISODE 42Step into the heart of Appalach...

08/15/2026

On September 19th in the little town of Mars Hill, North Carolina…the annual Apple Butter Festival takes place, bringing a true taste of mountain tradition to the grounds shared by Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Church and the Ebbs Chapel Community Center. The star of the day is homemade apple butter, prepared the old-fashioned mountain way in large kettles over wood fires, with experienced cooks keeping the bubbling mixture stirred. Visitors can watch the process, smell the apples cooking, and take home jars of the finished spread. The festival also brings vendors to the grounds, along with a large selection of homemade baked goods, breakfast and lunch, and rummage-sale finds. It has the feel of a small community gathering rather than a huge commercial event, with neighbors and visitors coming together around food, crafts, conversation, and mountain traditions.

07/17/2026

Breakfast is calling! We’ll be serving it up Saturday morning from 8-11am! Please join us!

06/30/2026