Magnolia United Methodist Church’s AppleFest returns for its 27th year of offering fresh, locally-grown produce just in time for the fall’s apple-laden recipes.

These apples come from Dickie Brothers Orchard, a 1,000-acre farm located in Nelson County. AppleFest Coordinator Mary Anderson can remember when members first started the sale with just a few trucks going up to collect apple orders. Now they head to Nelson County with a tractor-trailer, she said.

AppleFest helps church members support a variety of mission projects both abroad and at home, such as the Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk, the Genieve Shelter, the food pantry, hurricane relief and Boy Scout troops, like the boys of Troop and Pack 73 who are volunteering to help sort the bushels this year, Anderson said.

“It’s a blessing. This is sort of like our gift to the community, and it’s also the community’s way of supporting us,” she said.

The church is accepting apple orders through Oct. 19. Orders will be picked up on Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 1764 Wilroy Road.

Apples are available at $39 for a bushel, $25 for a half-bushel and $21 for a peck. Apple cider and either regular or sugar-free apple butter are also available.

Call the church office at 538-8552 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to place an order.