Apple Festival October 2009

The 2009 Smithfield United Church of Christ Apple Festival had to forsake Strawberry Way because of the threatening weather – a wise choice as it turned out. But spirits in the Social Hall are high as neighbors and passers-by come in for the justly renowned Smithfield Church apple desserts.

The first sign of "things as usual" is the bushel basket of apples on the welcome kiosk, a donation by the McConnell Farm

And on the desserts tables: apple pies, dumplings, and gourmet apple treats.

It's 11:00 and all is in readiness. The volunteer servers, seasoned veterans of the Apple Festival, are in their places as is the cashier, and the first customers are arriving.

Soon you will hear the repeated questions: "Would you like caramel sauce? ice cream? whipped cream on that?"

Ruth and Betty are open for business at the Women's Fellowship table.

Our new office assistant learns there are unexpected (though infrequent) perks when working at Smithfield Church. And she's not the only one caught up in the fun of the moment and the jazz of keyboardist Horace Turner.

See Apple Festival 2009 Part 2