First Cider and Mead Fest a Sweet Success

Stuart Baker considers one of the many mead wines offered along with ciders at last Saturday's Festival

Updated May 20

Wines and ciders made with  honey and fruit  as the fermenting agents, rather than sugar, were the popular “sip of choice” at the first “Cider and Mead  Festival” last Saturday. Proceeds from the event will go to the Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria committee, which brings fresh local foods into the school cafeteria.

Although islanders were still awaiting spring sun and warmth, many locals and visitors to the island cycled through the tent in front of the Stage on the Village Green, tasting the many varieties of wines,at an average cost-per- taste of $1.50, based on the number of “pour” tickets purchased. Only adults over the age of 21 were allowed into the tent, although one young dog did manage to scramble in and out.

Northwest hard cider and mead producers including Finnriver, Wescott Bay, Red Barn, Sky River, Alpenfire, Adytum, Crispin and Tieton Cider Works gathered at the first  Cider and Mead Fest.

Farmer’s Market Manager Jennifer Pietsch thought the festival was a “great idea — it  brought a lot of people to the Market early in the season, and the music was a welcome addition.”

Island musicians —  Bruce Harvie and the Calvados Brothers, Gene Nery and Martin Lund, and “This is Lizzard” with Lizanne Hennessey and Roland Stolk  — provided entertainment.

Madie Murray, head of the Farm to Cafeteria (F2C) Committee, said, “The Cider & Mead Fest went over very well!   About 250 people entered the tent and enjoyed the tastings of more than 30 varieties of hard ciders and meads, and the great music brought a genuine festive feel.

“For a first ever attempt at putting on an event of this kind on Orcas, we made about $1,000 for the F2C program after expenses, thanks to the wonderful sponsors, participating restaurants and those who contributed their talents and time. I think it we can look forward to an even better one next year!”

Sponsors of the event were Ray’s Pharmacy, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, Permit Resources, The Nest, San Juan Insurance, Crow Valley Pottery, Bay Head Marina, The Gudgell Group, Allium, Inn at Ship Bay, Chimayo’s, The Kitchen,  and The Lower Tavern.