This Saturday, January 18, McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse is hosting its 8th annual Wassail Cider Fest, based on the old English tradition of orchard wassailing to “awaken” the apple orchards. Of course it wouldn’t be a cider festival without plenty of cider to drink as well, with over 20 cideries represented and pouring their wares.
The Fest runs from 3 to 8pm and will also feature live music. The cost is $45 in advance, or $50 at the door, and scores you a Cider Fest glass plus 10 drink tokens (more should be available for purchase).
Here’s the description plus schedule:
Wassail is an early-English toast to good health often associated with plentiful alcohol and lively celebration. In our case, it also means a cider party! Come taste with Northwest cider houses, including our own from Edgefield. Enjoy a special menu of items for purchase, live music and a parade to toast the apple trees.
The purpose of wassailing is to awake the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest. Wear a costume of bright colors with medieval flair.
On Property
2:30pm * Presale entry
3pm * General entry
4:45pm * Procession to the orchard for the traditional wassail toast & Morris Men folk dance
5:30pm * Costume Contest in the Barn
Costume contest!
The list of ciders pouring with descriptions is available here; it looks like a great list with a wide variety of ciders that will be available.
It should be a lively and fun event, so that’s your Saturday sorted.
