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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