Editor’s note: The name of 2 Town Ciderhouse’s autumnal drink was incorrect and has been updated.
2 Towns Ciderhouse is set to host their 15th annual Harvest Party on Oct. 4, from noon to 9 p.m. at its Corvallis headquarters, to celebrate innovation and community and raise money for a local charity.
According to the web page for the event, attractions will include a pumpkin bar, cidery tours, photo booth, raffle prizes, food trucks, live music, airbrush tattoos, caricatures, a hot air balloon glow and more.
Tickets to the event are available online for $35 (or $40 at the door), which includes a stainless steel carabiner mug and four drink tickets. Further drink tickets will be available for purchase at the event in sets of four for $5.
Designated driver tickets are also available for purchase for the Harvest Party for $15 online or $20 at the door.
This year, net proceeds for the event will benefit Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon, “whose non-profit mission is dedicated to building a strong, healthy community by providing essential health services, education, and advocacy.”
Jessica Wisor, marketing manager, said she wanted to inform everyone about a new clear bag policy for the event, which states, “approved bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12”x 6”x 12”; one gallon clear, re-sealable plastic storage bags; and small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 8.5” (approximately the size of a hand) with or without a handle or strap.”
According to the website, the event will feature “40+ Craft beverages on tap, including 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Craftwell Cocktails, and (2 Towns Ciderhouse’s) non-alcoholic Sidekick ciders.”
Among the 2 Towns ciders featured this year are the Hollow Jack, which Wisor said is “always a fan favorite.”
“This year we wanted to push (Hollow Jack) even further,” Wisor said. “By teaming up with Holderness Coffee Roasters, we’ve added a bold twist that layers beautifully with the pumpkin and spice. It’s a little unexpected, and the perfect way to celebrate the season.”
Wisor said Hollow Jack will be available at the Pumpkin Bar, and will be served out of caramelized pumpkins that were carved out by 2 Towns CEO Lee Larson.
Another cider to be released at the event is the 15th Anniversary cider. Every year, 2 Towns Ciderhouse crafts “a one-of-a-kind blend to commemorate (their) anniversary.” According to an email from Wisor, the 15th anniversary cider will feature a selection of heirloom Oregon apples, including Smith’s Cider, Grindstone and Ashmead’s Kernel.
“Known for their robust character and bright acidity, these apples create a cider that bursts with orchard-fresh complexity,” the e-mail stated.
The event will feature performances from musical guests such as The Incompatibles, Slippy in the Sheets and The Builders and the Butchers, with 2 Towns’ very own DJ D-Man providing entertainment between sets.
A new attraction this year is Apple Talks, where the cider makers at the company will talk to crowds about such topics as the history of apples and the difference between New World and Old World ciders throughout the day.
“Visibility in the cidermaking process is something that a lot of people mentioned in our surveys,” Wisor said. “So the cider makers will be more of a part of the experience. People will get a behind-the-scenes look and learn more about what goes into making cider.”
Wisor also said there will be a scavenger hunt, where attendees can go around the event and collect interesting facts about the company and cider.
The event’s web page features information about free bus shuttles in Corvallis that will run throughout the event.
