The fruits of their labor are a-peeling

9/29/2010
Connie Bachman, left, and Helen Dyke share a laugh and a bowl full of apples as volunteers fill the Grand Rapids fire station to prepare the fruit for the process that eventually will result in apple butter for its namesake festival.
Connie Bachman, left, and Helen Dyke share a laugh and a bowl full of apples as volunteers fill the Grand Rapids fire station to prepare the fruit for the process that eventually will result in apple butter for its namesake festival.

It takes a lot to get ready for the Apple Butter Festival in Grand Rapids.

Local residents and volunteers bring in their paring knives and pans to peel enough apples to make 2,800 pints of apple butter, which will be sold at the festival.

The festival also includes crafts, demonstrations, and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10.