Getting a Lil’ (Apple) Sauced During CiderFest at Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park’s Woodford Mansion

CiderFest attendee gives the cider press a rotation during a demonstration.

“There is a place, September, oh, very far from Pandemonium. A place where it is always autumn, where there is always cider and pumpkin pie, where leaves are always orange and fresh-cut wood is always burning and it is always, just always Halloween” ~~ Catherynne M Valente

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

While fall is the Fiona Apple of my ear (read: the aural equivalent of moody, low-slung clouds) I actually know people who don’t like autumn. Weirdos? Nah. Just people doing what they do (read: exercising their right to be). Imma do me. You do you. We all do us like some recitation of foreign language verb conjugations. And yet …

Who are these crabapples able to resist the pumpkin-spicing of everything? Who cry decay and dying when tree leaves begin changing color from summertime’s immutable verdant green to variable russet, golden and scarlet hues? Who, uncomprehendingly, don’t get excited over the return of hoodies, UGG boots and all things spooky season? Believe me when I say that anti-autumn sentiment exists. I do my best to not judge, to accept the reality of different strokes; however, I gr(apple) mightily to wrap my mind around fall-haters before realizing the folly of my ways. They do them.

Rant over, I’m thrilled to report that 100% pro-fall sensibilities were out in force during the beautiful autumn afternoon of October 16th for Home Brewed Event’s fifth annual CiderFest at Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park‘s Woodford Mansion, the event proceeds of which benefit the programs and preservation of the 1756-built and NHL (National Historic Landmark) manse.

The fermented-apple happening was presided over by some seriously puffy white cloud cover, which made for stunning photographic opportunities. Much like my 2017 and 2019 CiderFest attendances, the weather was picture-perfect. One could not have asked for a more Norman Rockwellian idealized representation. Painterly, it was! Even the aforementioned sweater-weather shunners would surely approve.

From the moment my wrist was tagged on entry to several hours later when I exited, my day was fun- and fall-filled–so much so that I thank Meredith Megan Rebar of Home Brewed Events for her event-planning talent that seemingly packed my entire seasonal-things-to-do list into a single afternoon outing. Short of some pony- or horseback riding opportunity on the grounds, I felt as if I’d had a full-on, five-fold sensory compression of autumn in one fell swoop.

Reclining in an Adirondack chair while surrounded by dappled sunlight, I sipped hard cider samples and completely immersed myself in the fest experience. I tasted generously poured samples from local cider vendors, listened to regional musicians blanket the grounds with sound, enjoyed a gourmet picnic-basket from Liberty Kitchen, shopped wares from arts and crafts’ vendors, dog- and people-watched, attended a beekeeping demonstration featuring on-scene hives, participated in a cider-pressing demo, had my face speckled with sparkles from @glitterxbeepboop, joined a guided tour of Woodford Mansion, played a lawn game of Cornhole and discovered Malaysian street food during the popular fall-favorite affair. It’s my nature to become one with The Total Experience.

Throughout the two-day event, the hard cider, wine and vendor lineup consisted of Chatty Monks Brewing Company, Hale & True Cider, Mural City Cellars, Original 13, Philadelphia Distilling, Ploughman Cider, Manoff Market Gardens & Cidery and Young American Cider. Saturday and Sunday’s roster of local live musicians included Todd Fausnacht Music, The Cheddar Boys and the Punk Cellist and Maggie’s Boots, Hey Slow and the Punk Cellist.

Ticket prices for CiderFest were $35 for General Admission and $60 for the upgrade with picnic basket. While my ticket was complimentary, I would highly recommend stepping up for the curated picnic basket, as Fishtown’s Liberty Kitchen served a gourmet lunch (see photos below) that perfectly complimented proffered cider samples. Fennel salami and aged cheddar met my protein needs, while some soft pretzel-like rounds added a carbohydrate boost. Marinated Castelvetrano olives, salted almonds and a yummy mustard that I used as a dip for both the rounds and cheese triangles completed the picnic basket. Dessert was the aptly named, in-house baked Big AF Chocolate Chip Cookie Jawn. Gluten-free and vegetarian options of the foodstuffs also were available. I didn’t bring a blanket; however, picnic tables were readily available.

My event highlights included having my face speckled with glitterxbeepboop glitter (made with aloe vera gel). The creator’s mission is to “help others find their sparkle.” Every jar ordered is a bespoke wonder, fit to the wearer. I love both the concept and product.

I also met a small-business owner who caught my mojo with her thrifty-acquired upcycled flannels repurposed with her own designs. My purchase from Alyssa Wisser’s Stoked Pineapple was a flannel emblazoned with “Wish You Were Here” on the shirt back. I bought it because I’m in an autumn-induced Nirvana phase, my Father’s birthday in heaven (as they say) was approaching on October 29th and because I can’t get enough of David Gilmour’s 2019 acoustic rendition of the selfsame tune. Come to find out, Alyssa created the flannel as a tribute to her peripatetic “pappy,” who would send her post cards from his travels. Wearers of her upcycled attire now send photos of themselves be-shirted from scattered points throughout the globe, which makes Alyssa feel as if her pappy continues sharing his notes from the road. The apple never does fall far from the tree, does it? Miss you, Dad.

Please enjoy a photographic journey of my event experience below. I am already contemplating 2023’s 6th annual CiderFest. Maker-willing I attend, there’s just one thing I’d do differently. After witnessing the massive turnout of folks with canine companions, along with the presence of numerous dog-centric vendors, I know one pup that would love an al fresco outing. With the opportunity to shop until she drops for unique gifts to add to her already spoiled-self’s existing cache and to socialize with other dogs, Tillie Rose Kozden will be ready to hit up a place ” … where it is always autumn, where there is always cider ,,,”

At the check in tent, I was given a wrist bracelet, my boxed picnic lunch and a dusting of amazing sprinkles on my face.

Adverts, lace and eyeballs make for an arresting decor combo. Love the Rittenhowl postcard design!

Speckled with sparkles makes for shiny, happy people.

The moment I discovered @glitterxbeepboop was a revelation! I am all up in All Things Sparkly. Picnic lunches from Liberty Kitchen are ready for handing out.

Marketing matters as evidenced by this adorbs lil’ jar.

This was my third time on assignment to cover CiderFest; each year boasted perfect autumnal weather replete with glorious cloud cover.

With boxed lunch in tow, I didn’t have to look far for seating. Guests enjoy ample take-a-load-off options.

Liberty Kitchen provided a gorgeous epicurean boxed lunch!

Liberty Kitchens killed it with this version of a tapas bar in a box. Loved grazing and nibbling on this perfect blend of delish energy boosters.

For those whose tickets did not include the boxed lunch, hearty fare was available on the mansion’s grounds.

Sate Kampar featured Malaysian street food with two varieties of filled pastries a.k.a. Karipap.

Trellises impart so much graceful style and design elegance to a garden area.

A perfect trellis topper, this seasonal bouquet adds beauty and depth.

Picnic- and other tables graced the spacious grounds, providing ample rest sites for the CiderFest crowd.

Grounds’ decor added to the festive fall mood.

Cider vendors attracted Fest-goers eager to sample their wares.

According to Wikipedia, Woodford Mansion, built from 1756 to 1758, is the first of the great, opulent, late-Georgian mansions to be erected in the Philadelphia area. Guided tours were offered during CiderFest.

Fronting the mansion’s entrance are concrete urn planters bursting with harvest time blooms.

This glorious planter arrangement is worth a closer peep.

This stylish guide honored my request for a photograph and reminded me that Woodford Mansion tours were featured hourly during CiderFest.

A CiderFest attendee poses a question to the Woodford Mansion folks.

Sharon Kozden sits step side at the entrance to Woodford Mansion.

Hey Slow and the Punk Cellist pose for a photo op between sets.

Hey Slow and the Punk Cellist make beautiful music on a brilliant autumn day.

The Brandywine Riders entertain the crowd from a choice location in front of historic Woodford Mansion.

This cheerful duo paused for a pose before resuming cider press demonstrations.

How ’bout them apples?

Gents hang while reppin’ the Sir Charles Hard Cider station.

Dressed to the nines in historical garb complete with tricorn hat, this music man strolled the grounds and entertained with a trombone.

Clad in popular Doc Martens boots and sunnies while toting cellies, these ladies were relaxed and in the CiderFest mood.

Drinks With Brandalynn reps the new RAVVY cider from West Reading, PA-based Chatty Monks Brewing Co.

The brand new RAVVY line of hard cider from Chatty Monks Brewing Co. was a hit with the crowd.

Happiness is a lap sit with your favorite person while sipping cider under dappled sunlight.

One of my favorite things about CiderFest is scoping the variety of display stations from visiting cider mongers.

Bathed in ice, these hard cider bottles with very pretty labels invite refreshment.

Who can resist the nostalgic and wholesome fun of good ol’ beanbag tossing?

Ploughman Farm Cider has been a mainstay at CiderFest for many years. Wooden boxes add height and the perfect rustic touch to an inviting display table.

Bottled gold-colored hard cider backlit by sunlight was ripe for sampling.

While I requested just a splash, sample pour sizes were quite generous.

Merch-outfitted representatives for Philly-based Hale & True Cider Co. display a menu of four various canned hard cider options along with additional merchandise.

Folks sip samples and engage while basking in the sun.

Philadelphia Bee Co. came out to wax informational and educational on All Things Bees. Peep the plushie!

The fascinating life of bees was engagingly delivered by this gent, who related interesting details about the displayed honey. That darling plushie is Everything!

Everyone lets the dogs out for CiderFest, and vendors such as Piggyback Treats Co. anticipate and expect the canine crowd. Their charming company logo took inspo from Candy and Darwin’s learned “parlor trick.”

On a mission to reduce food waste, I am sold on this company for my own brood of a dog and two cats and have begun following them on social media.

Original pet bandana offerings by Philadelphia-based Brixxy & Co. take inspo from a mini poodle named Brixxy Bordeaux (not pictured).

Brixxy & Co. founder and owner-operator Alissa Abba creates bespoke, colorful and reversible bandanas. Both COVID downtime and her IG account following birthed this Black female-founded business.

Is “salty bespoke” a Thing? Appears so. My seriously adorable Tillie Rose Kozden needs a touch o’ the salty in her life.

Doodle alert! This couple and their Goldendoodle were a fun bunch and eagerly permitted my pup-pet request.

This dog arrived stylin’ in a lion’s mane and proceeded to eat, drink, nap and play as well as garner plenty of attention!

Dog and bone and lookin’ like somebodaddie was a-sippin’ the sauce.

So much cuteness in this lil’ Fightins fan!

Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and more were on display at the Tragic Bliss vendor tables, and this duo enjoyed scoping the wares.

Tragic Bliss designers are Philadelphia-based artists and besties rocking some very cool witchy-woman hats.

Tragic Bliss sells prints designed with insects and butterfly wings.

Alyssa Wisser created Stoked Pineapple, which makes her Chief Executive Pineapple.

Upcycled flannels combine thrifty-found shirts with wholly unique graphic designs that hit just the right note during Spooky Szn or anytime.

“Never trust the living” is a quote from the 1998 film, Beetlejuice.

From Left, CiderFest’s official event photographer Stephen Lyford, Head Shutterbug at Stephen Lyford Photograph with Sharon Kozden.

From Left, Sharon Kozden reconnects with event planner Meredith Megan Rebar, Proprietor of Home Brewed Events and a certified Cicerone.