The Friends of Piper’s Orchard invite the community to join them in celebrating Carkeek Park’s historic orchard from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. Events will include cider pressing and tasting, live music, an apple pie contest, activities for kids, guided tours of the historic orchard and more.
The event takes place at and around the Nancy Malmgren Environmental Center, 950 NW Carkeek Park Road. Visitors are encouraged to park below the learning center. Volunteers will be directing guests.
This event is free and open to the public. Activities will include:
- Informational presentations: Presentations on historic orchards and fruit varieties featuring Sam Benowitz (Raintree Nursery) and Adam Wargacki.
- Apple pie contest: Back by popular demand – bring a contest entry by 10 a.m. and buy a piece of contest pie after the winners are announced.
- Apple identification: Bring apples from your home orchard for variety identification.
- Fresh pressed cider: Visitors are encouraged to try out making cider the old-fashioned way, with a fresh cider press.
- Homemade pie: Visitors are welcome to donate homemade pies. Fresh warm cider and slices of pie will be available for a nominal cost, with proceeds to support ongoing maintenance of the orchard.
- Live music: Talented musicians will provide music during the festival.
- 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.
- Wildlife habitat demonstration garden tour: Following presentations and the apple pie contest, a tour of the gardens near the Nancy Malmgren Environmental Center will be offered.
Friends of Pipers Orchard 
Carl said
Peaches in the summertime, apples in the fall.