About This Festival

The Apple Butter Festival is an annual community celebration held in Spencer, Indiana, on the town square, typically the third weekend in September. It is hosted by the Spencer Lions Club and serves as a major fundraiser to support local scholarships and community services. The festival attracts families and visitors with a variety of activities, food, crafts, live music, contests, and community events.

Location and Vibe:
The festival takes place in downtown Spencer, on the Square in Owen County, South Central Indiana. The atmosphere is family-friendly, lively, and community-oriented, with a welcoming vibe centered around local traditions, arts, and fun.

History:
The Apple Butter Festival has been running for decades as a key event organized by the Spencer Lions Club. Its proceeds directly benefit local community initiatives and scholarships, making it not only a festive event but also an important community support mechanism.

Event Schedule and Activities (2024 Example):

Saturday, September 21st

  • 9:00 am: Opening ceremony at the Doughboy monument, vendor booths open, baking contest starts at the Tivoli
  • 9:30 am: Apple Butter King & Queen / Prince & Princess Contest
  • 10:00 am: Inflatable Fun Zone opens; Commode & Little Trike Races begin
  • 1:00 pm: FAMOUS parade on the Square
  • 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Ken Bucklew Art Exhibit at the Lions Club building
  • 2:00 pm: Owen Valley (OV) Football Fun Zone
  • 3:00 pm: Teenage Treasure Hunt begins
  • 7:00 pm: Inflatable Fun Zone closes
  • Evening: Live music and adult beverages hosted by Spencer American Legion; concurrently, the Owen County Derby hosts the Paul Morin Legacy Demo Derby at the Fairgrounds

Sunday, September 22nd

  • 9:00 am: Vendor booths and Inflatable Fun Zone open
  • 3:00 pm: OV Teenage Treasure Hunt Finals
  • 4:30 pm: The JPBL Apple Butter Challenge contest with a winner crowned

Additional Activities:

  • Touch-A-Truck exhibit allowing children and families to explore various vehicles
  • Classic Car Cruise-In showcasing vintage automobiles
  • Bands performing live music throughout the event days
  • K & Q Cutie pageants, special contests, and free state band concerts
  • Food vendors serving apple butter-themed and other local foods
  • Baking contests and craft booths featuring local artisans

Accessibility:
The festival is handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.

The event runs broadly from Saturday morning (around 9 am) to evening, and on Sunday from morning to mid-afternoon, with a full range of family-friendly and adult-oriented entertainment, making it a complete weekend celebration in Spencer’s downtown core.