Apple butter, bluegrass and family fun Virginia style — that’s what’s in store for anyone who makes the trek to Skyland Resort for the 13^th annual Apple Butter Celebration at Shenandoah National Park on Saturday, Sept. 22, the Autumn Equinox.

“Nothing says autumn like apple butter and fall foliage,” said Helen Morton, director of sales and marketing for Shenandoah National Park lodging, which is managed by ARAMARK Parks and Destinations. “Making apple butter is an American fall tradition with the whole family pitching in. We pay homage to this spirit at the yearly Apple Butter Celebration by encouraging guests to give the pot a stir and enjoy customs of the Shenandoah region.”

The celebration starts at dawn with the lighting of the fires and the filling of the copper kettles. The day-long event includes entertainment starting at 9:45 a.m. with singer Resi Linton followed by Shenandoah Valley Cloggers, High Horse Cloggers, and music from High Ground Blue Grass Band and Possum Ridge String Band.

Skyland Resort chefs are planning grilled chicken with apple salsa, pork ribs with apple barbeque sauce, cobbler, caramel apples, cider and other fall-fruit themed delights. Wine tasting, pony rides and children’s crafts will also be offered as will kettle-fresh apple butter to take home.

During the event guests get a first look at the unfolding fall colors. Shenandoah National Park’s wide variation in elevation from 561 feet to 4,049 ft lends itself to an extended color season, starting in late September and running well into November.

“At the start of fall, guests can anticipate crimson red Virginia Creepers and yellow poplars staying true to their name,” Morton said in a press release. “In addition, dogwood will likely begin its transformation to a dull red and the black gum may begin to turn bright red. These colors will only continue to spread into October and beyond.”

For more information about the 13^th Annual Apple Butter Celebration, call 888-896-3833 or visit www.visitshenandoah.com.

WHAT: 13th Annual Apple Butter Celebration

WHERE:  Skyland Resort, Mile 41.7 on Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park, VA

WHEN: Saturday Sept. 22, 9:45 a.m. – 5 p.m.