Activities for October 24-25, 2009
Have you heard the stories of older relatives—or do you remember yourself—when apple pies and applesauce were made from varieties such as Spitzenburg, Rome Beauty, Newtown Pippin, Winter Banana, and Ortley? They were delicious eaten right off the tree, too. Those are all apples now known as “heirloom” or “Classic” varieties. They can trace their heritage back 100 years or more, may not store as well as some of the commercial varieties, may be more susceptible to disease or pests, or may bruise more easily. But they taste so good! Their individual flavors and aromas have been compared to those of different vintages of wine.
Limited supplies of heirloom apples are available, and while truck and railcar-loads of these apples may not be shipped out of the valley, they are being celebrated—and are available—at locations all along the Hood River County Fruit Loop during Heirloom Apple Days. See below for a list of last year's activities
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2009 Activities:
Pumpkin Funland™
at Rasmussen Farms
October 1–November 11 Free admission. Visit a unique world of whimsical scenes created from pumpkins, gourds, and other farm items. Halloween maze for kids 4-10 years old and THEMED CORN MAZE-every year a different story for all ages. U-pick pumpkins of every size and shape. Natural fall deco featuring 20 KINDS OF GOURDS. Call 800-548-2243 for more information.
Cider Squeeze, Bin Maze & Pumpkin Graveyard at
Alice's Orchard
Weekends in October Join us to make your own, freshly squeezed, non-pasteurized apple cider with apples from our orchard!. Pick a special Halloween pumpkin from our haunted graveyard - tour the bin maze! See website www.alicesorchard.com for more information.
U-Pick Apple and Pear Explosion at Draper Girls Country Farm
October 1-25
Bring the family for a fun filled day of u-pick apples and pears. Our pumpkin covered straw maze will be amking its first debut. Enjoy our fresh non-pasteurized ciders while swinging from our famous wooden swing. Visit our petting zoo. Many photo opportunites await you. Visit www.drapergirlscountryfarm.com or call 541-352-6625.
Misti Alpaca Trunk Show at Foothills Yarn & Fiber
October 9-25 100% Peruvian baby alpaca is one of the softest fibers on earth. With four generations of alpaca expertise in Peru, Misti International brings North American knitters and crocheters a large color and weight yarn selection for this magnificant fiber. Come see equisite garments hand knit from Mis alpaca yarns. And, meet our alpacas and their newest babies. Call 541-354-3542 for more information.
Swiss-German "Edelweiss Day" at Mt. View Orchards Inc & Fruit Stand
October 24 11-4 This fesitval has become a tradition on our farm. Live music, hayrides, Swiss recipes, Swiss apples, kraut, Swiss sausage, hot dogs, bratzelies, chocolate pear fudge. Good food! Rain or shine we will have this party. Squeeze your own cider using heirloom apples.
Heirloom Apple Tree Celebration at Cody Orchards Farm Stand
October 24-25We are celebrating our Newtown-Pippin Heirloom apples and the 100+ year-0ld trees they grow on. Try our Pippin cider and pie. Food, orchard tours-music, apple-seed planting .
Hard Cider Days at
Aubert's Fruit Company
October 24-25Hard cider tasting from the Blue Mountain Cider Company. Enjoy a new twist on an old farm tradition.
Heirloom Apple Tasting at Kiyokawa Family Orchards
October 24-25
Over 75 varieties of apples, more than two dozen varieties of Asian and European pears, and more than 200 years of cultivation. Unique flavors provide an array of fresh and baked applications. Obscure assortments will peak the curiosity of all inspired to participate. Spend the day and take home history.
Apple Valley's Heirloom Apple Butter Festival
October 24-25Come stir the pot! We’re making apple butter the old fashioned way with a copper kettle over an open fire. We’ll be serving fried biscuits with apple and pear butter! Last weekend for BBQ! Cherry-wood smoked ribs, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, pear coleslaw, and cider baked beans. Call 541-386-1971.
Apple Cider Overboard at
Packer Orchards and Cookie Stop Bakery
October 24-25 We love apples and pears too! Enjoy fresh-pressed cider by the jug or cup, hot apple pie sundaes, apple cinnamon rolls, and more. The bakery is overflowing with the warm smells of freshly baked pies and cookies. Many varieties of heirloom fruit available.
Cider Days Celebration at
Draper Girls Country Farm
October 24-25Join us for fresh-pressed, non-pasteurized apple cider made here on our farm, the only licensed non-pasteurized cider mill on the Fruit Loop. We will feature cherry, pear, and grape-apple ciders along with our famous apple cider. Featuring hot cider and donuts and our famous cinnamon and sugar-dried apples. Free samples. Visit www.drapergirlscountryfarm. com or call 541-352-6625.
