Wilroy Road seems to have been invaded with signs advertising a variety of fresh, hand-picked, Virginia-grown apples.

That means it’s time once again for Magnolia United Methodist Church’s AppleFest.

This is the 21st year the church has sold apples as a fundraiser and community outreach. It gets bigger every year, said Connie Schubert, who has been in charge for the past eight years.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to reach out to people in this community,” Schubert said. “Our goal is to treat people like God treats them.”

Orders for apples, apple cider and apple butter — all of which come from Virginia farms — are being taken through Oct. 19. Brunswick stew, made by the men of the church, also is available for pre-ordering.

On pick-up day, Oct. 27, bake and craft sale items also will be available for purchase. Limited amounts of all the pre-ordered products also will be available for cash sales.

The church started taking orders this week, and already about 120 bushels have been sold.

“We’ve had a lot of orders come in,” Schubert said.

The apples, available in seven varieties, come from Dickie Brothers Orchard in Nelson County. The cider is provided by Morris Orchards in Amherst County, and the apple butter comes from Sunshine Farms in Augusta County.

“We have a very good vendor who gives us top of the line quality,” Schubert said.

Profits from the fundraiser go to missions on the local, state, national and international levels, all the way from the church food pantry to an orphanage in Romania.

“We decide as a group where we want to see them go,” Schubert said. “We try to make sure we do some of everything.”

Varieties of apples that are available include Fuji, red delicious, golden delicious, Granny Smith, Stayman, Winesap and Rome.

Prices are $30 per bushel, $18 per half-bushel or $14 per peck. Apple cider is $6.50 per gallon, and apple butter (available in regular or sugar-free) is $4.50 per pint.

For more information on AppleFest, call the church at 538-8552 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.