Activities for October 26-27, 2013
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.
U-Pick Apple and Pear Explosion
at Draper Girls Country Farm
October 1-31
Enjoy a fun filled day of U-pick apples and pears, view of Mt. Hood while swinging on the famous swing or our pumpkin covered straw maze. Our country market features our non-pasteurized apple cider, varieties of fruit and vegetables, gifts and Grandma's famous cinnamon-sugar dried apples. www.drapergirlscountryfarm.com or call 541-352-6625
Pumpkin Funland™
at Rasmussen Farms
October 1–November 11
Free admission. Visit a unique world of more than 50 whimsical scenes created from pumpkins, gourds, and other farm items. Pumpkin Bowling and THEMED CORN MAZE -every year a different story, fun for all ages. U-pick pumpkins. Natural fall decor featuring 20 KINDS OF GOURDS. 800-548-2243.
Misti Alpaca Trunk Show
at Foothills Yarn & Fiber
October 5-27
With four generations of alpaca expertise in Peru, Misti International brings North American knitters and crocheters a large color and weight yarn selection for one of the softest fibers on earth. Come see exquisite garments hand knit from Misti alpaca yarns. While you're here, meet our newest alpaca babies.
Swiss-German "Edelweiss Day"
at Mt. View Orchards Inc & Fruit Stand
October 26 11-4
This festival 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 with covered, heated seating areas. Squeeze your own cider using heirloom apples (5 gallon limit).
Hard Cider Days at
Aubert Fruit Company
October 26-27
Hard cider tasting with Blue Mountain Cider Company. Enjoy a new twist on an old farm tradition.
Heirloom Apple Hard CiderTasting
at Kiyokawa Family Orchards
October 26-27
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 pique the curiosity of all inspired to participate. Spend the day and take home history. www.mthoodfruit.com or call 541-352-7115.
Apple Valley's Heirloom Apple Butter Festival
October 26-27
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 it with our signature fried biscuits. Fresh baked pies and cobblers, pumpkin milkshakes and the last chance for cherry-wood smoked BBQ ribs, pulled pork & chicken. www.AppleValleyStore.com or call 541-386-1971.
Apple Cider Overboard at
Packer Orchards and Bakery
October 26-27
We love apples and pears too! Many varieties of heirloom fruit available. Enjoy fresh-pressed cider, hot apple pie sundaes, apple cinnamon rolls, and more. The bakery is over-flowing with the warm smells of freshly baked pies and cookies. Fall in love with home made caramel apple ice cream.
Cider Days Celebration at
Draper Girls Country Farm
October 26-27
Join us for fresh non-pasteurized apple cider pressed here. We are the only licensed non-pasteurized cider mill on the Fruit Loop. Our country market offers cherry, pear, and grape-apple, and our renowned Apple Cider. Enjoy a cup of hot cider and donuts, Grandma's famous cinnamon-sugar dried apples. www.drapergirlscountryfarm. com or call 541-352-6625.
Fruit Loop Farms with Apples &/or Pears
Apple Valley Country Store & Bakery
Aubert Fruit Company
Draper Girl's Country Farm
Grandma Mary's Fruit & Produce
Kiyokawa Family Orchards & Fruit Stand
Mt View Orchards Inc & Fruit Stand
Packer Orchards & Bakery
Rasmussen Farms
Smiley's Red Barn
The Fruit Company
The Gorge White House
