The Friends of Piper’s Orchard is hosting the annual Festival of Fruit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Carkeek Park‘s historic orchard. Events begin at Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center, 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd. There will be a cider pressing and tasting, live music, activities for kids, and guided tours of the orchard.
All are welcome to join for:
- Informational presentations: Experts including the renowned Dr. Bob Norton, retired research scientist from WSU Extension in Mt. Vernon, and Shaun Shepherd from Portland’s Home Orchard Society will give talks on apple varieties and identification.
- Apple identification: Bring apples from your home orchard for variety identification.
- Fresh pressed cider: Visitors are encouraged to try out making cider the old-fashioned way, with a hand cranked cider press.
- Homemade pie: Visitors can donate homemade pies. Fresh warm cider and slices of homemade pie will be available for a nominal cost, with proceeds to support ongoing maintenance of the orchard.
- Orchard tours: Expert volunteers who have restored the orchard will lead tours, pointing out the heirloom varieties that are going strong as well as younger trees and newly planted grape vines.
- Apple Tasting: Visitors will have the chance to taste heirloom apple varieties that are grown in the orchard.
- Kids’ crafts: Little ones will enjoy organized arts and crafts activities.
- Cider making presentation: Watch and learn how to make cider during a presentation starting at 2:30 p.m.
The festival is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to park below the learning center. Volunteers will be directing guests. For more information, please call 206-684-0877 or visit www.pipersorchard.org.
The Festival is sponsored by Friends of Piper’s Orchard, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Carkeek Park Advisory Council, Seattle Tree Fruit Society and City Fruit.
