One of Magnolia United Methodist Church’s landmark events will be returning next weekend.

Now in its 25th year, the AppleFest has become a local favorite and has attracted hundreds of customers over the years, even people as far as West Virginia and North Carolina. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 29.

“That’s the Apple Church,” church member and event coordinator Mary Anderson, said of how people identify the church.

The fest serves as the church’s premier fundraiser for its missions and ministries.

Pastor Mike Harrington said the Magnolia has a selfless approach in how it rations the fest funds.

“God, you raised this money; where should we give it out?” he said the members ask.

During the first year of the event, the group sold between 200 to 300 bushels. Last year, the church sold about 870 bushels and raised more than $15,000, according to church member Connie Schubert.

“It’s been a celebration,” Anderson said. “It’s like a homecoming.”

Through the years, the fest has incorporated apple cider, apple butter, a church favorite, along with Brunswick stew and baked goods.

Typically, the church also has crafts on sale. However, this year the crafts will be held until Magnolia’s inaugural bazaar in the approaching months, Anderson said.

The day begins early Saturday morning for the volunteers and concludes late in the evening.

“We still manage to get here for church Sunday morning,” church member Joyce Garretson said.

The church has found the fest is a great way to fellowship and connect with the community.

“There is fun, fellowship and purpose,” Harrington said.

Since the fest’s inception, Magnolia has remained faithful to select Virginia farms for its products.

Dickie Brothers Orchard, a 1,000-acre farm located in Nelson County, delivers apples. Amherst County-based Morris Orchards provides cider, and Sunshine Farms of Stuarts Draft provides apple butter.

Both Dickie Brothers Orchard and Morris Orchards are honored as Century Farms by the state’s department of agriculture and consumer services, meaning the farms have been operated by the same families for more than 100 years.

The church is still taking pre-orders for the apples. Varieties include Fuji, Rome, Granny Smith and red delicious, which are available in bushels, half bushels and pecks.

During the event, customers can pick up their apples at the drive-through area.

Apple order forms are available at the church and online at the church’s website. The last day to pre-order is Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.magnoliaumc.net or call 538-8552.