Hood River hosts yearly Cider Fest

“People watching” is one of the best hobbies a person could have. So, it is easy to imagine how great going to the Hard-Pressed Cider Fest in Hood River last weekend could’ve been for such a person.

Stereotyping is a great aspect in people watching and the festival had many different types. A large percentage of the guests were the average 30-year-old, Happy Valley parents with kids age 4 to 10. Yes – Happy Valley parents are a stereotype. A second large group of the group we saw were groups of 21- to 28-year-old dudes; I say ‘dudes’ because they definitely weren’t men. But my favorite stereotype at the festival was “day drinking grandpa.” This is one I hold close to my heart – an older man who golfs, gives double thumbs up, and rides in a wheelchair pushed by his son. No joke, I’ve meet many of these guys, and there were plenty of them at the festival.

Festival attendees started their drinking quest with a pint glass and four coins. Each coin was a fill on the glass, so they had to choose their drinks wisely. The event had a number of cider companies (22 total), food vendors, and activities for children, along with live music.

Two Towns Cider House, Hood Valley Hard Cider, and Rogue Cider were just a few of the many companies represented.

A personal favorite cider of mine was Atlas, from a Bend-based company. Atlas Cider produces flavors such as pom-cherry, apricot, and blackberry. Each flavor gives the taster a sweet, crisp first kick with a fruity aftermath. The company also has an original apple hard cider flavor, with no additional fruit flavors.

The festival’s food choices ranged from BBQ, burgers and tacos, to wood stove pizza. The dauntingly long lines kept me away from eating at these vendors. However, I did almost steal a veggie pizza off a plate that wafted past my head. It was the roasted mushrooms that really caught my eyes, begging to be eaten. For those people like myself, unwilling to pay or wait for the food inside the festival, you could always picnic out the back of your car.

Another extremely long line ended at the tent of a face painter, where little ones could get butterflies on their face or turn into Spider-Man. Even adults could get a sick flower up the side of their face. The event also had a blow-up bouncy house with a slide. Unfortunately there was a weight limit so I can not report on how great the bouncy house was.

The best part of the event was the live music. A mix of folk, pop, and blues rang out into the unusually hot spring air. Those wishing to dance could stand near the stage while those looking to rest up could tap their feet and drink at the many lunch tables in the middle of the outdoor area.

All in all, the event had a fun and uplifting vibe.

If you like drinking ciders and you don’t mind having ten different people sweat on you, this event is for you. The Hard-Pressed Cider Fest happens every spring in Hood River – just make sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming dates.

Advocate Staff