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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 16, 2019)
8 Wednesday, October 16, 2019 GO! magazine — A&E in Northeast Oregon Cider Fest ’19 ■ Pleasant Grove Grange brings together chili, pumpkins, cider and pie — oh my! By Lisa Britton SUMMERVILLE — Theresa Butts talks about all the types of chili and the donated pies, but it’s the cider pressing that brings a smile. “It’s watching the kids throw apples into the hopper,” she said of Cider Fest, an annual event at Pleasant Grove Grange. There’s the social aspect too — a main function of the Grange back when people didn’t easily travel and had no other entertainment like television. “Just getting together,” Butts said. “Even if it rains, it will go on.” Cider Fest ’19 happens Oct. 19 at Pleasant Grove Grange, on Hunter Road in Summerville. The cider pressing gets going on Saturday at 3 p.m., along with pumpkin carving. Pumpkins and apples will be provided. People are welcome to bring more apples. Any type will do. “The more you mix varieties, the more complex the cider,” Butts said. The Grange has an electric press as well as an old-fashioned hand- cranked contraption. The cider is for sipping on site, but Butts said guests can negotiate to take some home if there is extra. “We won’t let people take cider unless there’s a jug on every table,” she said. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. with chili and cornbread. Each year features a wide variety of chili, such as veni- son, white bean or vegan. A pie auction begins at 6 p.m. Bakers around the area donate pies to the event, which are sold by live auction. Proceeds help with the It’s said that fresh cider tastes better when you’ve cranked the press yourself. Find out if this is true at the Pleasant Grove Grange’s annual Cider Fest this Saturday in Summerville. upkeep of Pleasant Grove Grange, which had been in jeopardy of closing down until new members joined. “We’ve been keeping it in good order,” Butts said. Cider Fest is open to all. It’s a family-friendly event and there is no cost. “It’s totally free — unless you buy a pie,” Butts said. Purchased pies don’t always make it home, she noted. “People will buy a pie and get forks for the whole table.” This year will also feature games for kids and a fi repit if the weather turns cold. Join us in celebrating Autumn Magic at Cherry’s Florist October 17 th , 18 th & 19 th 10am-5pm all days Take home some magic at discounted prices... • Home Decor • Gifts • Candles • and More! The Cider Fest’s annual live pie auction is a major fundraiser for the Pleasant Grove Grange. Drawin g warm c s and ider too ! Cherry’s Florist 106 Elm Street
