Friends of Piper’s Orchard to host Seventh Annual Festival of Fruit

 The Friends of Piper’s Orchard, a group of volunteers who discovered and then rescued the historic North Seattle orchard from invasive plants, are hosting the Seventh Annual Festival of Fruit on Saturday, September 14. With highlights including cider pressing, a pie contest, and fruit tree experts, the free event attracts hundreds of people young and old each year and helps ensure that the orchard, originally planted in the 1890s, will survive at least another 100 years.

• Keynote speaker

Dr. Beverly Gerdeman, a noted researcher and entomologist from Washington State University, will share techniques for protecting backyard fruit from damaging insects – including the newly arrived and dreaded spotted wing drosophila. Recognized internationally as a fruit tree expert, Gerdeman is an engaging and fun presenter. She will speak at 10:00.

• Pie contest

Competitive bakers are encouraged to enter the home-made apple pie contest, with winners taking home prizes and bragging rights. Entries are due at the festival by 10:00 a.m. Judges this year will include Jon Rowley, a well-respected figure in the national food community in part for his role as the first to bring fresh Copper River salmon to dinner plates across the country.

• Fresh cider

Visitors are encouraged to try out making cider the old-fashioned way, with a hand cranked cider press. Fresh warm cider and slices of home-made pie will be available for a nominal cost, with proceeds to support ongoing maintenance of the orchard.

• Orchard tours

Expert volunteers who have painstakingly restored the orchard will lead tours, pointing out the heirloom varieties that are going strong as well as younger trees and newly planted grape vines.

• Apple Tasting

Visitors will have the chance to taste heirloom apple varieties that are grown in the orchard.

• Kids’ crafts

Little ones will enjoy organized arts and crafts activities.

Additional details:

When: Saturday, September 14, 2013

What time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., Seattle

Cost: The festival is free and open to the public.

Parking: Visitors are encouraged to park below the learning center. Volunteers will be directing guests.

More info: 206-684-0877 or www.pipersorchard.org

The Festival is sponsored by Friends of Piper’s Orchard, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Carkeek Park Advisory Council, Seattle Tree Fruit Society and City Fruit.