Hood River County Fruit Loop
Heirloom Apple Days
Fruit Loop Celebrations
*
Activities for October 25–26, 2008
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.
  • Cider Days Celebration at Draper Girls Country Farm
    Join us for fresh-pressed, non-pasteurized apple cider made here on our farm—the only licensed non-pasteurized cider mill on the Hood River County Fruit Loop. We feature cherry, pear, and grape-apple ciders along with our famous apple cider. Featuring cider donuts and our famous cinnamon and sugar-dried apples. Free samples.
  • Apple Valley's Heirloom Apple Butter Festival
    Come 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.
  • Pumpkin Funland™ at Rasmussen Farms
    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.
  • Apple Cider Overboard at
    Packer Orchards and Cookie Stop Bakery

    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.
  • Heirloom Apples and Asian Pear Tasting at
    Kiyokawa Family Orchards & Fruit Stand

    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 all kinds of fresh and baked applications. Obscure assortments will peak the curiosity of all inspired to participate. Spend the day and take home history.
  • Misti Alpaca Trunk Show at
    Cascade Alpacas and Foothills Yarn & Fiber

    With four generations of alpaca expertise in Peru, Misti International brings North American knitters and crocheters a large selection of yarn weights and colors. Touch exquisite garments hand knit from Misti alpaca yarns. See our newest baby alpacas, and learn how alpaca fiber is made into yarn.
  • Alpaca Fiesta at Good Fortune Farms
    We’re celebrating this season’s bumper crop of beautiful baby alpacas—called crias. The “Name the Alpaca” game and a “cute cria” photo contest are part of the festivities. Shop for special deals at goodness alpaca boutique. Call 541-352-7925 for details.
  • Heirloom Apples at Cody Orchards Farm Stand
    Celebrate heirloom apples with us. Try our apple and dessert samples. Enjoy apple cider, orchard tours, food, music, and apple art for the kids.
  • Alice's Cider Squeeze at Alice's Orchard & Fruit Stand
    Join us to make your own, freshly squeezed, non-pasteurized apple cider with Alice's locally grown apples. Pick your special Halloween jack-o-lantern from our orchard pumpkin patch. Wander through our bin maze and enjoy our views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Visit www.alicesorchard.com for more special event information.
  • Hard Cider Days at Aubert's Fruit Stand
    Hard cider tasting from the Blue Mountain Cider Company. Enjoy a new twist on an old farm tradition.
Heirloom Apple Days
   
Activities for Last Year's Heirloom Apple Days
  • Apple Valley's Old Fashioned BBQ
    Cherry wood smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken or polish dogs served with homemade coleslaw and apple cider baked beans.
  • Pumpkin Funland™ at Rasmussen Farms
    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.
  • Swiss-German Edelweiss Day
    at Mt. View Orchards and Fruit Stand October 27 only

    11 am to 4 om. Our Swiss-German Edelweiss Day has grown into a wonderful party with live music by the "Edelweiss Irregulars." Noon-4:00 sing, yodel, dance, and enjoy a plate of authentic Swiss-German food for a reasonable price. Free hay rides. Ruthie shares her Swiss-German heritage with everyone through photos and books.
  • Apple Cider Overboard
    at Packer Orchards and Cookie Stop Bakery

    Sip fresh-pressed apple cider or warm caramel apple cider. In the bakery, find apple pies and fruit-filled empanadas. Try a pumpkin milkshake or home-brewed root beer float. Great scenery and lots of fresh fruit too.
  • Heirloom Apples and Asian Pear Tasting
    at Kiyokawa Family Orchards & Fruit Stand

    The largest selection of apples grown in the Hood River Valley. Heirloom varieties to varieties from around the world to tantalize your taste buds! Stroll in the orchard on an educational, self-guided tour, pick your own apples, and take the kids through the two-story bin fort.
  • Misti Alpaca Trunk Show
    at Cascade Alpacas and Foothills Yarn & Fiber

    With four generations of alpaca expertise in Peru, Misti International brings North American knitters and crocheters a large selection of yarn weights and colors. See exquisite garments hand knit from Misti alpaca yarns, and meet our ranch's newest alpaca babies.
  • Alpaca Fiesta at Good Fortune Farms and Goodness!
    Meet this year's crop of baby alpacas, Enjoy fiber arts demonstrations and the "Name That Alpaca" game and a cute cria photo contest. Shop for luxurious garments, accessories, speical deals, and unique gifts.
  • Cody Orchards
    Featuring heirloom apples Newtown Pippen, Spitzenberg, Ortley, and winesap. hay rides (weather permitting) among our 110 year old heirloom apple trees, live music 1:00-3:00 both days, cake walk, Mexican food, apple pies, carameled apples, and fun holiday gifts. This is our last week-end.
  • New Release Party at Hood River Lavender Farms
    2007 has been good to us, and we want to share that with you! We have 4 new 'FINE LAVENDER' oils that we will release this weekend. These beautifully aromatic oils are only available at our farm and are limited in quantity. The forecast is for sun and fun. We will have complementary Mulled Spiced Cider, along with our popular Lavender Shortbread. Available for purchase will be the best Chocolate Truffles we have ever had, Lavender Honey, Apple/Lavender Jelly, and our Premier Lavender product, and Gift Packs.