The 7th annual Piper’s Orchard Festival of Fruit is taking place on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center and Piper’s Orchard from 10AM – 2PM. Join us for cider pressing, a pie contest, fruit tree experts, music, kids’ crafts, and more.
Our keynote speaker is Dr. Beverly Gerdeman, a noted researcher and entomologist from Washington State University. Dr. Gerdeman 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, Dr. Gerdeman is an engaging and fun presenter. She will speak at 10:00.
Competitive bakers are encouraged to enter the apple pie contest, with winners taking home prizes. Entries are due at the festival by 10:00.
We’ll be pressing fresh cider with a hand-cranked cider press. Fresh warm cider and slices of donated pies will be available from Tillie’s Café at a nominal cost, with proceeds supporting ongoing maintenance of the orchard. Buy a slice when Tillie’s Café opens at 10:30, and another after the pie contest results are announced at 11:45!
You can taste heirloom apple varieties from the orchard, enjoy live music, have your kids participate in crafts, and visit booths to learn about mason bees, City Fruit, and Seattle Tree Fruit Society.
Around 12:45 there will be a guided walk (weather permitting) up to Piper’s Orchard, less than 1/2 mile from the ELC. You can learn more about the orchard and see our beautiful apple-laden trees.
Visitors are encouraged to park below the learning center. Volunteers will be directing guests.
Friends of Pipers Orchard 
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