— from Madie Murray —
Ciders and meads are rich in history, rich in flavor, rich in antioxidants; and, most excitingly, gaining in popularity around the world. One of the first to celebrate ciders and meads with a festival in the Northwest was Orcas Island back in 2010!
Schilling, along with other favorites including Eaglemount and Finnriver will be here again!
The big white tasting tent will be perched once again on the Eastsound Village Green this Saturday alongside the Farmers Market in full swing offering produce, flowers, crafts and cooking with cider demonstrations.
Eighteen Northwest hard cider and mead producers including Shilling, Finnriver, Wescott Bay, Sky River, Alpenfire, Blue Mountain, Honey Moon, Reverend Nat’s, Tieton Cider Works, Honeyrun, 2 Towns, Adytum Cellars, Hidden Legend, Eaglemount and Snowdrift will be offering tastes to adults 21 and older entering the big tent for taste tickets starting at just $5. New this year, unopened bottles of ciders and meads for offsite consumption may be purchased at the Festival.
Coveted one-of-a-kind award plates designed and donated by Crow Valley Pottery exclusively for winning Orcas Island Home Brewer winners.
A favorite event is the Orcas Island Cider Home Brew Competition. Around 2 p.m., Jim Litch and Rachel Bishop will learn if they are able to accumulate a second beautiful First Place Crow Valley Pottery trophy plate, or will they be dethroned by another? Maybe even Bob Vietzke, who won the previous year and is definitely planning a comeback. Competition will be tougher, however. Each year, the number gets bigger and the brews get better. Last year there were 16 entries – double from the previous year. Could it possibly be doubled again?
Great music all day long!
Three local bands: the Dustbunnies, Crow Valley Family Band and Andonimus Sessions will be entertaining the crowd all day from the Village Green Stage with musical strains from boogie and blues to Celtic and soft rock.
We especially thank our sponsores: Islanders Bank, the Northwest Cider Association, and Ray’s Pharmacy and General Store for helping to make this event happen. Net proceeds from this event benefit the Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program.
Check it all out at www.orcasislandciderfest.org or on facebook at www.facebook.com/orcasislandciderfest
