The local Corvallis 2 Towns Ciderhouse will host its 14th Annual Harvest Party on Oct. 19, from noon to 9 p.m., under a grand tent at the 2 Towns Headquarters, in an effort to raise funds for Cornerstone Community Housing.
This year, the party will offer more than 40 craft beverages, live music, food trucks, cidery tours and more. 2 Towns hosts this event each year to raise money for the local Cornerstone Community Housing Company, which is based in Eugene.
For the first time, the event will be mainly outdoors. With 15,000 square feet of tented space in the Ciderhouse field, organizers are really excited to embrace more outdoor activities.
“(The) celebration isn’t just a party — it’s a chance to give back. Net proceeds will benefit Cornerstone Community Housing, helping them continue their essential work in providing affordable housing for those in need,” 2 Towns said in a press release.
Jessica Wisor, marketing manager for 2 Towns, said, “The housing crisis is a very real thing we experience in our communities, and these are organizations that are really able to help a lot of people.”
Cornerstone Community Housing was founded in 1992, and since then has been “committed to building quality, affordable housing for people living on limited incomes while offering services that promote opportunities for personal growth and economic independence,” setting people up for success.
“We are incredibly grateful to be the benefactor of this year’s 2 Towns Ciderhouse Harvest Party,” said Arnel Alarcon, marketing and events manager at Cornerstone Community Housing. “Support from events like this is vital to our mission. The generosity of 2 Towns Ciderhouse and the local community makes a real difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”
Cornerstone offers skill-building services like cooking classes for adults and kids, coaching on managing illnesses like diabetes, teaching monthly budgeting and a homework club for kids.
Harvest Party tickets are still available through Eventbrite, and general admission is $35 in advance or $40 at the door. The event is restricted to those 21 and older and costs $10 for designated drivers. Tickets can be purchased here.
Admission includes a stainless carabiner mug and four drink tickets. Additional drink tickets will cost $4 each. Each ticket can be redeemed for one drink, or two tickets can be redeemed for higher-ABV beverages.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to host it outside … I’m also always excited to let the community try all the ciders we have available,” said Matt Sharpe, events manager for 2 Towns.
The party will premier the 14th Anniversary Cider. It will be launched and poured at the specialty bar, where the newest specialty 2 Towns products and ciders will be served.
In addition to 40+ drinks on tap, 2 Towns encourages people to try the X-Tap, where some fan favorites, older and heavily sought-after ciders, will be brought back for the public to try again, every hour from noon to 8 pm (while supplies last).
“It’s interesting, people here, we change our flavors from time to time, and people tend to have their favorites. And when those favorites are seasonal or temporary and they go away, they ask when we’re bringing them back! So they might be able to have a chance to taste those at the X-tap,” Wisor said.
Some exclusive archived ciders that can be found at the X-tap will be the past 2 anniversary ciders, the 2 Berry Dream, and the Kingston Black single variety.
The Harvest party will also feature the exclusive Pumpkin Bar, serving the house’s 2024 Hollow Jack from a caramelized pumpkin, hand-carved by 2 Towns’ co-founder and CEO, Lee Larsen.
If you’re not looking to drink, 2 Towns Ciders and Craftwell Cocktail non-alcoholic beverages will be provided for free at every bar. There will also be live music from local artists like Ida Jane and the Weekend Gardeners, Brutal Bridges, DTW, Inner Limits and 2 Towns’ very own DJ D-Man.
For hungry guests, several food trucks will be in attendance. Double JJ BBQ, Fritters, Grindz Hawaiian Food Truck, Nick Soul Food, Dough on the Go, Tacos El Machin, Hott Popp’n Concession and Ginny’s Pastries will be parked to satisfy partygoers.
2 Towns Harvest Party will also have Cosmic Crisp balloon glow with limited balloon rides (weather permitting), raffles, a hand-painted photo booth and the Beaver football game playing on the big screen.
The Harvest Party will also have exclusive Cidery tours. Guests can get a behind-the-scenes look at the production facility, and meet the newest members of the team… robots!
“They are really cool! There are people who come to this party every year, and they enjoy the tours, and this is gonna be a surprise for them! And they are not little, they’re big robots who help with a lot of our packaging,” Wisor said.
Tours will be held every 45 minutes, starting at 1 p.m. with the last tour at 7 p.m.
Lee Larsen, co-founder and CEO of 2 Towns Ciderhouse and OSU alumni, said, “Our annual harvest party has been a cornerstone of our efforts to give back to the community. This event provides a meaningful opportunity to raise a glass together and support a cause close to our hearts—providing safe, affordable housing to those in need. We look forward to celebrating with everyone and making a positive impact together.”