GETTYSBURG, PA — May 2, 2018: Hard cider newbies and aficionados, alike, will flock to the third annual PA Cider Fest in Gettysburg on Saturday, June 23. Pennsylvania’s premier cider-tasting event is set to feature more than 65 cider varieties from 25+ hard cider makers, showcasing ciders and their makers from all across the Commonwealth. Plus, PA Cider Fest also features Pennsylvania cheese makers and artisans, and there will be plentiful food offerings and live entertainment.
“Cider Town” — historic Gettysburg and the surrounding countryside — has gained national popularity, thanks to its solid lineup of local cideries, in addition to its role in hosting the PA Cider Fest. Ben Wenk of Ploughman Farm Cider and Pennsylvania Cider Guild board member says, “To me, Adams County is one of the best apple growing areas in the United States if not the world. It's a premier apple growing region and the PA Cider Fest shines a beautiful light on the entire area.”
Wenk and more than 1500 anticipated attendees look forward to the annual PA Cider Fest in Gettysburg. Wenk says, “Not only is there natural beauty, with the rolling hillsides and apple trees, but folks get to try ciders from small craft producers in our state. It's one of the days on my calendar that I look forward to most every year.”
Mary Bigham of Cider Culture, an online cider publication from Pennsylvania-based Dish LLC, says, “Each year the festival brings hundreds of cider enthusiasts to Adams County … My favorite part? To see new people try hard cider — and love it. It’s a chance to sample first, and then if interested, to bring your favorites to take home.”
Festival goers may purchase cider directly from the participating cider makers, in addition to taking part in cider tasting at the event. Among the other activities scheduled to take place at the event are special seminars and workshops from cider and cheese experts. The list of this year’s workshop/seminar topics includes apple pressing, cider apples, cider and cheese pairings, and cider tasting tips.
PA Cider Fest is held at the home of Jack’s Hard Cider at Hauser Estate Winery, located at 410 Cashtown Rd. in Biglerville, Pa. “I love bringing people to our home to learn about hard cider and have a great day out,” said Jonathan Patrono, President of Jack’s Hard Cider. “We are proud to host this event and bring some of the best ciders on the market for everyone to sample.”
Tickets to PA Cider Fest are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. Interested participants may use the “plan your visit” tool. Accommodation packages are available, and festival transportation will be provided from select locations.
Once again this year, PA Cider Fest will raise money for the Pennsylvania Cider Guild, which works to bring together cider makers, cideries, cider enthusiasts and associated businesses to represent and promote the cider industry in Pennsylvania with a united voice. The guild’s mission is to protect, promote, represent and educate its members and consumers.
PA Cider Fest is sponsored by PA Preferred, a program by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture that encourages Pennsylvanians to support fellow state farmers by purchasing products made throughout the state.
"As an event planner, this is my favorite event to plan of the year,” said Richard Ashenfelder, PA Cider Fest event planner. “Where else can you find such an array of cider varieties, live music, orchard views and Pennsylvania artisan cheese all in one place? We have more cider makers than ever — more than 25 this year — spanning the entire state from east to west. I'm excited about the new food trucks that will be joining us this year! And we've got some really interesting artisan vendors as well — from artisan mustard, to elk and venison jerky, to cider-themed tea towels."
To purchase tickets, visit www.paciderfest.com.
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