HOULTON, Maine — The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District invites all to come celebrate fruit varieties for the north with Aroostook Apple Day Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church and Cup Café in Houlton.
The event is free and open to the public, offering education and fun activities for all ages. Workshops begin at 10 a.m. and include “Building Your Own Cider Press,” “Cidermaking for Beginners,” “Growing Pears in Northern Maine,” “Exploring for Historic Apples in Aroostook,” and “Organic Management for the Orchard.”
Ongoing activities include apple and pear tastings, cider pressing, apple identification, and an opportunity to view displays of many different fruit varieties. Participants may also bring and share a few of their own favorite known and unknown varieties that grow in the area.
Maine apple guru John Bunker will also be on hand using his extensive knowledge of Maine apples to try and identify an unknown variety people may bring.
After 11 a.m., Justin Glover will have his hand-built cider press available to help individuals press their own fruit. Participants should bring only fruit picked from a tree that has been washed, along with containers to take the cider home.
The Cup Café and vendors will also be selling local goods such as baked items, pumpkins, apples and pears, honey, gourds, garlic, cheese, fruit trees and more. Event is hosted by the Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District and sponsored by Maine Farmland Trust, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Assoc., and Fedco Trees.
For a complete listing of classes, presenters, and activities, including how to bring apple samples in for John Bunker to identify, go to www.saswcd.org or contact the SASWCD at 254-4126.
