Rachel Hoskins - rhoskins@thefranklinpress.com
Sunny skies and mild temperatures made Saturday, Oct. 21, the perfect day for folks to step back in time at the NC Mountaineer & Apple Butter festival in Bakersville. Hosted along the Bakersville Creek Walk, the event gave residents and visitors an opportunity to explore history and hone up on their mountaineer skills.
Among popular events were the Mighty Mountaineer Challenge and the Pet Contest.
And let’s not forget apple butter and grits. Sue Ledford served up apple butter as the whistle from the portable grist meal set up by Brannon and Amy Young sounded in the background.
“I was very happy with Saturday,” said Harley Masters, organizer of the event. “Friday was a wash-out, but Saturday was good. The vendors seemed happy, and we raised money for a lot of good causes. I’d give it an 8 out of 10.”
Masters who has organized the event since it began four years ago said last year was the first time they joined forces with the Mitchell County Historical Association. “Apple butter making is their big event – now it’s coupled with the festival and it works well.”
Working with only a handful of volunteers Masters hopes to see the number of people willing to get involved grow as the festival grows.
Included in the festival is the Mighty Mountaineer Challenge. It’s a cumulative point competition that includes wood chopping, fire starting, ax throwing and this year pumpkin chunkin’.
Andy Burleson from Bakersville won first place in this year’s competition, followed by Matthew Lewis of Lake Waccamaw coming in second and Jameson Burleson placing third.
The Bakersville Merchant’s Association sponsored a Chili and Cornbread Cookoff. And a Pet Pageant raised funds for Macon County Animal Rescue. The Moutaineer Shrine Club hosted a Car Show that raised money for the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
“In 40 years, my dream is that we are as big as the Rhododendron Festival,” said Masters. “It’s a festival for locals but we have leaf-lookers visiting and they are coming to the festival and coming back the following year. It’s a good representation of our people. And it raises money for a lot of good causes.”
Chili and Cornbread Cookoff winners
Adult Division – Chili Judge’s Choice
1st place Tammy Hopson, 2nd place Kegan Boone, 3rd place Kevin Cox
Adult Chili – People’s Choice
1st place Cindy Casper, 2nd place Donna Shuford, 3rd place Kevin Cox
Adult Division – Cornbread Judge’s Choice
1st place Michael Runion, 2nd place Kelly Weisner, 3rd place Tiffany Effinger
Adult Cornbread – People’s Choice
1st place Michael Runion, 2nd place Donna Shuford, 3rd place Tiffany Effinger
Youth Division – Chili Judge’s Choice
1st place Bella Chapman, 2nd place Mylee Chapman
Youth Chili – People’s Choice
1st place Bella Chapman, 2nd place Maylee Chapman
Youth Cornbread – Judge’s Choice
1st place – Maylee Chapman, 2nd place Keller Blanton, 3rd place Bella Chapman
Youth Cornbread – People’s Choice
1st place – Evan Payne, 2nd place Landon Payne, 3rd place Bella Chapman