One of last year's winners: Quarante Quarte 2006 home brewed liqueur made by Steve Garrison of Goldeneye Farm.

By Madie Murray

We know there are a lot of you out there who have that special stash of hard cider, mead, dessert wine, liqueur and anything in between that you have brewed with Island fruit sitting in your cellar that is really, REALLY good!!  And, I think you would LOVE to see if the professionals think it is, too.

Well, have we got a deal for you!  Bring about a pint or so of your special elixir to the Big White Tent at the Farmer’s Market on May 12 by noon, and enter it into the Home Brew Contest at the Orcas Island Cider and Mead Festival.

Only Orcas residents may enter.  Your entries will be judged by three of the professional cider and mead producers under the tasting tent on that day.  Crow Valley Pottery has crafted beautiful one-of-a-kind awards for those special brews placing first, second and third, and you will be able to strut your stuff as “Orcas Best of the Fest.”  It doesn’t get better than this!

Bring your home brewed cider, mead, dessert wine, liqueur and anything in between (no beer, please…that’s in October) to the big white tent at the Farmers Market BY NOON on May 12, then stick around for the accolades!   Women brew masters…we challenge you to make your mark!!