Finger Lakes cider lovers can rejoice: Cider Week Finger Lakes is a go this year, featuring both in-person and virtual events.
Cider Week Finger Lakes is part of a yearly Cider Week festival that this year runs from Friday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 11. Orchard tours, panel conversations, cider pairings, production tours, and more are part of this year’s festivities. Events are being held either in-person while adhering to social distancing guidelines or presented via the New York Cider Association YouTube Channel.
Finger Lakes-based cideries that will be participating in the festival include Black Diamond Cider in Trumansburg, Eve’s Cidery in Van Etten, Kite & String Cider in Interlaken, Lake Drum Brewing in Geneva, New York Cider Company in Ithaca, Redbyrd Orchard Cider in Burdett, and South Hill Cider in Ithaca. A full schedule of events for Cider Week Finger Lakes can be found by visiting ciderweekflx.com/flx/events.
“Cider Week Finger Lakes is known for creating connections across the region between cider makers and apple growers to craft beverage and farm-to-table enthusiasts. As we continue to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy, we’re looking forward to a much needed safe and socially distanced celebration over cider,” said Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association, via a press release.
There is no cost to register for the festival, however, donations are being accepted. Twenty percent of proceeds with be donated to the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation which is providing relief for restaurant workers affected by COVID-19 and social justice issues.
Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming started Cider Week around 2010 with the mission of increasing public awareness and appreciation for hard cider while connecting trade professionals to farm-based cider producers. The New York Cider Association now puts on the Cider Week event and it has grown to include four regional festivals in New York State. Other Cider Week festivals take place yearly in Western New York, the New York City area, and the Hudson Valley. Interested attendees of the Cider Week in the Finger Lakes can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cider-week-finger-lakes-2020-october-2-11-2020-registration-120236138527.
