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As fall approaches, many traditions are being canceled. However, AppleFest at Magnolia United Methodist Church is still scheduled for Oct. 24.

Every fall, Magnolia United Methodist Church, at 1764 Wilroy Road, holds a fundraiser to sell fresh apples from Dickie Brothers Orchard in Roseland.

“Due to COVID-19, AppleFest will be very different this year,” said Mary Anderson, AppleFest coordinator. “Normally, we have food and samples that people can get out of their cars and try. Sadly, this year we are only doing apples.”

The main difference this year is all orders have to be prepaid. Also, it will be drive-through only, so people can’t get out of their cars. Usually, the volunteers would deliver orders to cars who do not want to get out, but this year that’s the only option.

AppleFest is normally a time where folks can come for the apples, but also enjoy cakes, crafts, and other homemade goodies. However, apples are no small part of the event. According to Anderson, last year, the church ordered 695 bushels of apples. People come from all over, including Virginia Beach, Richmond, Buxton and the Outer Banks.

“COVID has stopped a lot of things, but I want people to know that Magnolia is still having their AppleFest,” said Anderson.

AppleFest, the church’s biggest fundraiser, started in 1991. The money raised is donated to numerous missions and ministries that the church supports. Last year, the church contributed to multiple organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Humane Society, CAPS and the Genieve Center.

This year there are six varieties of apples for sale, including Fuji, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Stayman, Winesap and Suncrisp. Apple butter and apple cider will be for sale as well.

A peck of apples, with approximately 10 pounds of apples, is available for $21. A half-bushel, at about 20 to 21 pounds of apples, is $25. A bushel of about 40 to 42 pounds of apples is $39.

Apple butter is available at $4.75 per pint. Apple cider is $5 for a half-gallon and $7 for a whole gallon.

To order, call the church’s number at 757-538-8552 and ask for Mary Anderson. Order forms should be available Sept. 6, and ordering dates are Sept. 28 through Oct. 16.