GRAND RAPIDS, Ohio — The Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest had it all Sunday: football, Halloween, electioneering, bluegrass, bullet jewelry, deep-fried Oreos, Christmas decorations in October, and yes, apple butter.

Since 1977, the town that housed 925 souls as of the 2020 census now attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually to its signature celebration.

As early arrivals trek over the bridge from Providence Metropark to the village, one of the first houses they encounter has a yard full of animatronic monsters. Lucas Braatz, who has lived in that house for more than four years, says the festival gives him an opportunity to let his freak flag fly.

“I don’t have a problem with the streets being shut down,” he said. “I love the people watching. It gives us a reason to stay home.”

Furt

See Full Page