Cider Sparkles at Fairmount Park’s 3rd Annual CiderFest in Philadelphia, PA

Event signage hangs from fence posts at Cedar Grove.

Photos, story by Sharon Kozden

“It was a beautiful bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.” – Diana Gabaldon

It really was a day such as described in the above quote … uncannily so if you happened to be attending the third annual CiderFest at the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park. Having written about and photographed the inaugural event in 2017, I had missed 2018’s iteration but was glad to be back spending my Saturday afternoon between the hours of noon and 5 p.m. surrounded by folks ranging in interest level from the curious to downright hardcore cider aficionados. The houses alone are crowd-draw worthy, although attached events can certainly elevate one’s experience. Located on the more than 2,000 acres comprising Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the architecturally diverse Colonial, Georgian and Federal style mansions include Lemon Hill, Laurel Hill, Historic Strawberry Mansion, Mount Pleasant, Woodford and Cedar Grove.

My cider-tasting adventure began at Laurel Hill, where I was checked in as a VIP attendee, wrist-banded, handed a tasting glass and sent on my merry way. I was determined to amble aimlessly, sans agenda or timetable, enjoying whatever activity intersected my path. It was the kind of day that had put me in mind to emulate the laissez-faire style reminiscent of a passage in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” To wit: “People moved slowly then. They ambled across the square, shuffled in and out of the stores around it, took their time about everything. A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with, nothing to see outside the boundaries of Maycomb County.”

In determined slow-as-molasses fashion, I happened on the first of six (one per house) complimentary snack stations courtesy of Cabot Creamery, the U.S. Apple Association and Hess Brother’s Fruit Company. Cheese and crackers, popcorn and crunchy Lancaster County apples were available for munching. Cheese is my friend. Has been since I woke one random morning back in the day with the realization that there’s an entire world out there-a world of all things cheese-that I’d been missing out on. I hightailed it over to Di Bruno Bros. at the Suburban Square and was introduced to said cheesy world, after which I never looked back. That bit of fromage backstory is why I was thrilled to discover each of the houses’ cheese handouts, while predominantly of the cheddar variety, were different from the next. Impressive. I nibbled on Cabot’s White Oak Cheddar, Habanero Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Legacy New York Vintage Cheddar and Alpine Cheddar. I should also mention that LesserEvil Bhudda Bowl Himalayan Gold popcorn was out of this world, a snack revelation. But I digress from cider-speak …

Having consumed the popcorn-cheese-apple bites in belly-coating preparation for hard cider-sampling, I noticed a gazebo in the distance and made my way toward it, where I encountered the first of many VIP ticket-holder exclusives … Wyndridge Farms was pairing their exceptional Crafty Cranberry Cider with fresh donuts from Federal Donuts. In addition to the in-part event sponsor Wyndridge Farm out of Dallastown, PA, the houses opened both their doors and expansive properties to more than 20 Pennsylvania cideries, including Philadelphia-based Kurant Cider (Fishtown), Commonwealth Cider and Original 13 Ciderworks (Kensington), Young American Hard Cider (Germantown), Hale & True Cider Co. (Bella Vista) as well as Dressler Estate (Downingtown), Ploughman Cider (Aspers), Killarney Cidery & Sugarhouse (Laporte) and Frecon Farms (Boyertown). So much cider for the sipping, and sip we all of us did. Turns out and at day’s end, my overall favorite was the one I’d first tasted, the Crafty Cranberry. I’d been reading about the cider industry and learned via the fall edition of Edible Philly that, “PA is the fourth-largest apple growing state in the country; cider is a value-added product that’s providing an extra stream of income for a new generation of growers. (Based on grower-reported sales, making hard cider can increase farm revenue by 166%). Its comeback is helping our local orchards stay alive.” Reason enough to carry on with the tastings!

All that cider quaffing was making me hungry and, having only until then eaten snacks, I was keen to put something of substance in my pooch. Turns out, great grub encircled me. Food trucks galore dotted the properties, giving CiderFest attendees an abundance of choices. Serving up their culinary finest were Purposeful Pops, Los Compadres, Gelat’OH, Roasted Liberties, Royal Zarasa, Liberty Kitchen and Leo’s Backyard BBQ. I discovered and enjoyed my first meat cone, where a paper swirl replaced any breadstuffs (read: carbs). How very California-like in this emphasis on protein over carbohydrates. With all the walking I did, I appreciated the meat cone’s ability to keep level my blood sugar, enabling me to also keep steady my activity pace rather than claiming one of the many colorful Adirondack chairs that dotted the grounds in which to sink for a nap-crash.

Add to the mix of fabulous houses, delicious cider-swilling, cheesy-crunchy snacking and belly-sating noshing a medley of live musicians, and the makings for a noteworthy event became a done deal. As with the profusion of food trucks, the afternoon’s entertainment (bands, soloists and duos) were ensconced at every house. Who, exactly, was delivering the bangin’ chunes?  Participating artists included Rosaleen McGill, Poor Man’s Gambit, Hot Club of Philadelphia, River Bones Band, Jackson Pines, Reverend TJ McGlinchey, Jah People, Noggin’ Hill and Veronica Underwood. All were fantastic and covered a multitude of musical genres. 

Grub. Sips. Tunes. But the fun didn’t stop there no matter which ticket … general admission or VIP … you had purchased. A window of savings opportunity occurred early on, when online ticket prices were either $40 or $65, after which they respectively increased to $45 and $70. The general admission ticket bought you entry into all houses along with self-guided tours, a four-ounce souvenir tasting glass for unlimited samples, entertainment, intra-mansion transportation from Philly Phlash and eats’ choices via the pay-as-you-go food trucks. A good deal, indeed.

Ponying up to the $70 VIP access, and the more-bang-for-buck quotient positively soared. The souvenir tasting glass increased in size to 5.5 ounces (I scored a handy necklace-pouch for mine!), the pour options included “limited edition” ciders and house tours featured actual guides to impart fascinating historical facts and stories. You also became privy to select food- and sample pairings, a welcome mat to an exclusive VIP lounge at Lemon Hill Mansion and up close and personal seating for cider enthusiast Mark A. Turdo’s presentation on cider-making through the years followed by a guided tasting. Curator Jeff Duncan was on hand at Woodford Mansion for a behind-the-scenes tour and discussion. Mount Pleasant featured a whiskey tasting by Pop’s McCann. But wait and there’s more … you secured an individual yearly membership to the Fairmount Park Conservancy (a $35 value). Other VIP extras boasted a chocolates- and cider pairing from Shane Confectionary at Historic Strawberry Manions, specialty cocktails from Manatawny Still Works, access to Philadelphia Orchard Project‘s cider-pressing and orchard tour at Woodford Mansion and a beekeeping demonstration by Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild. Whoa: that’s some upgrade and well worth the price of higher admission.

I noted some additional vendors as well … Keystone Colonies, stationed at Historic Strawberry Mansion, proffered local honey and bee products, and Philly’s own Hurricane Woodwork displayed for purchase some gorgeous and unique pieces. Informative tabling displays were provided by Keystone Colonies Beekeeping, Pennsylvania Cider Guild, Philly Cider Week, The Museum of the American Revolution, Mark Turdo and Open Aire Affairs.

Once again, the event was a sparkling success and no doubt will continue to be as the cider industry expands thanks to what Edible Philly called “the efforts of a close-knit community of apple growers, cider makers, bartenders, and eager consumers bringing cider back in a big way.” I was tired by the time I left Fairmount Park, as CiderFest packed a lot of activity into an afternoon, my aimless-roaming manner notwithstanding. Driving home, I wondered whether or not apples that keep the proverbial doctor away included the fermented ones I swilled in my unlimited cider samples. An apple a day, indeed.

For more details on the historic houses, visit parkcharms.com

Decorative pumpkins and gourds are on display at each of the historic houses.

Souvenir sipping glasses await VIP ticket-holders’ fetching.

Hess Bros. Fruit Co. supplies snacking apples fresh from Lancaster County.

This popcorn is so delicious that I wish it were the go-to brand sold in movie theaters.

Autumn is for many things, and this glorious caramel-colored bubbly is definitely one not to miss.

It wouldn’t be long before this gazebo became throngs-mobbed.

From left, Home Brewed Events Co-Owner Meredith Williams and Sharon Kozden pause for a snap.

This foxy-looking Crafty Cranberry Cider brew paired with Federal Donuts was a VIP ticket-holder’s sweet treat.

If memory serves, this was my particular favorite from the many hard ciders I sampled.

On a beautiful fall day, no one seemed to mind waiting in queue at Laurel Hill Mansion’s gazebo.

Fun and games abounded for both kiddos and grown-ups.

Cider bubbles meet soapy ones.

Artisans display their wares for sale.

One chill couple happily agrees to pose for a snap.

Young American Hard Cider previews its product in advance of a 2020 opening.

A tiny replica of Laurel Hill Mansion advertises its mission.

Laurel Hill Mansion is charmingly rendered in this painting, which hangs inside the manse.

Seasonal crafts and more unique items were available for purchase at Laurel Hill.

Veronica Underwood and accompanying musicians entertain from the porch at Laurel Hill Mansion.

Sharon Kozden models the cider sample-glass ‘necklace’ given to VIP ticket holders.

Commonwealth Cidery, stationed at Laurel Hill Mansion, passes the pours.

Mom grins and looks chic in her sunnies while her adorable little one naps.

Young woman blows some huge, iridescent bubbles.

Folks enjoy mingling outdoors with scenic Schuylkill River and bridge view as backdrop to perfect fall day.

Cute couple alert! I found these two waiting for house-to-house transport on the PHLASH.

The Philly PHLASH provided free rides between houses. Hang tight, ladies!

When one historic home’s doors close, another’s open … to a room with a view.

Killarney Cidery set up its serving station at Mt. Pleasant.

Wyndridge Farms earns cuteness overload marks for its Crafty Hopped Cider packaging.

Taking a break from the crowd, this couple benches it for some private time.

Rosaleen McGill performs Irish songs and covers on the ukulele at Mt. Pleasant Mansion.

Cones and boats and pies, oh my!

Look, Ma: no carbs! Can’t beat this meat-treat.

This lovely duo granted my request for a snap before making their way to the next cider-sampling station.

The VIP ticket was the one to have for some pretty choice extras.

The Royal Zarasa food truck brings some enticing foodstuffs to Lemon Hill.

Colorful Adirondack chairs offer a welcome respite for a quartet of imbibers.

All babies are cute … in their own way. Tee.

I honestly nearly spilled the cider from my sampling necklace on encountering this baby face and his fun crew.

Ploughman Cidery sets up shop at Lemon Hill.

When crafting their Crafty Cider, Wyndridge Farms uses locally pressed apples and yeast that yields a “fresh, clean-tasting hard cider.”

Take a spin and test your history skills.

Check out the pure joy radiating from these smiles because what beats fun in the sun with peeps and brews?

Billboard magazine described the folk duo Jackson Pines as being “like a mash-up of James Taylor and Tom Petty.”

All folks chill and casual line up for Frecon Farms Cider samples at Cedar Grove.

Frecon Farm’s Early Man Cider is a “crisp, dry cider with a light fruitiness.”

Philadelphia-based Bluegrass band Noggin’ Hill entertained crowds at Cedar Grove.

Open Aire Affairs tabling works some venue magic at Strawberry Mansion.

Crowds gathered in tent form lines for samples and purchases from cideries and other vendors.

Shane Confectionary offers samples as well as sales. VIP ticket holders were treated to chocolates paired with Kurant cider.

Shane Confectionary has you covered in chocolate … chocolate product, that is.

One guest decided to tote the little ones along to the event.

Manatawny Still Works made the scene with its bottle sales.

Roasted Liberties menu board displays its stick to the ribs offerings, which paired perfectly with hard-cider drinking.

Each house’s interior is meticulously decorated in period furniture and attendant artifacts.

Tour guides offer talks, or you can meander through the historic houses’ beautifully decorated interiors at your own pace.