GET A TASTE OF SWEET THINGS to come by strolling through an apple orchard in bloom and sipping some of the year’s best ciders at the Spring Cider Social, Saturday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Butternut Farm, Farmington, New Hampshire.
In addition to an orchard tour, a variety of New Hampshire hard ciders will be available for tasting in the Cider Garden (separate tickets required), and there will be a farm market, food, children’s activities, and more.
Featured speakers about New England’s apple and cider history include apple preservationist John Bunker, author of Apples and the Art of Detection, and Steve Wood, owner of Farnum Hill Ciders in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Researchers from the University of New Hampshire will lead presentations on integrated pest management (IPM) and pollinators and other beneficial insects.
The main event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and reservations are required.
To register and to purchase tickets, visit Spring Cider Social
The Spring Cider Social is part of New England Apple Association’s feasibility study for a New England Museum of Apples and Cider and is made possible with a two-year, $33,947 USDA Specialty Crops grant from the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets has awarded New England Apple Association a Specialty Crops grant of $24,008 toward the feasibility study, and a traveling museum event featuring early season apples will be held August 26 at Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston.
The proposed museum would celebrate New England apple industry’s leading strengths —its history, varieties, and ciders — and promote locally grown apples and ciders year-round. New England is home to many apple “firsts,” including the first named variety (Roxbury Russet, 1635) and the first McIntosh in the United States (1868), as well as seminal figures like John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) and Henry David Thoreau, author of Wild Apples.
The Spring Cider Social will be held rain or shine, with canopies for cover in the event of inclement weather.
Participating New Hampshire cideries
- Butternut Farm, Farmington
- Bird Dog Cider, Greenland
- Farnum Hill Ciders, Lebanon
- North Country Hard Cider, Dover
- Hermit Woods Winery, Meredith
Other vendors
- Meadow View Sugarhouse, Union
- Sanborn Hope Farm, Rochester (animal and vegetable products and potted plants)
- SeaBee Honey of Rye
- Artist Carrie Tazbir
- CEI Designs (crafts)
- Hot Mess Poutine of Rochester (food and beverages)
- The Pink House, Milton (food and beverages)
To register and to purchase tickets, visit Spring Cider Social
When purchasing tickets, please note:
- All attendees need a “Spring Cider Social – General Admission” ticket to gain entry onto the Butternut Farm grounds and to participate in the general event.
- All attendees that are interested in participating in one of the Cider Garden sessions will also need to purchase a “Cider Garden – General Admission” ticket for their desired time slot. *Must be 21 or older and present a valid ID to be granted admission to the Cider Garden.
- Each Cider Garden ticket includes a souvenir New England Apples tasting glass made in the United States.
- Please bring a paper or digital copy of all event ticket(s) for admission.