Numbers are in: 2026 Apple Butter Makin’ Days nearly hits 100k

Apple Butter Makin Days has come and left once again in Mt. Vernon. This year’s annual festival marked the 60th anniversary of the three-day affair as nearly 100,000 packed the square despite unseasonal heat. 
 
“The 60th annual Apple Butter Makin' Days was a wonderful reminder of what makes this festival and the Mt. Vernon community so special,” said Brittni Bates, executive director for the Mt. Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce. “For six decades, this event has brought people together to celebrate our traditions, support local businesses and vendors, and create memories that span generations.”
 
According to numbers provided by the Mt. Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce, Apple Butter Makin’ Days attendance was down only slightly from last year, Bringing in 96,500 visitors across three days. Bates said that this is likely the result of warmer than usual temperatures. 
 
“Unseasonably warm temperatures appeared to influence visitor patterns throughout the day, with crowds beginning to thin earlier than has been typical in recent years,” she said. “Despite the heat, visitors came out to enjoy the festival's vendors, food, entertainment, and longstanding traditions.”
 
Bates also reported that about 280 vendors were present at the festival. 
 
“The 2026 festival marked 60 years of bringing people together in Mt. Vernon, featuring hundreds of vendor booths, a wide variety of food and merchandise, family-friendly activities, and the traditions that have made Apple Butter Makin' Days a regional favorite,” said Bates. 
 
The festival will be back once again next year on the second weekend in October thanks to the continuing support of the community, festival sponsors, vendors and visitors. 
 
“The Mt. Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce extends its appreciation to the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, community partners, and visitors whose participation makes this annual event possible,” said Bates. “Their support continues to strengthen this tradition and contribute to the local economy.”