Atascadero hosts first annual Cider Festival
By DuPree Dial
Atascadero Mayor Tom O’Malley, Board Member Deana Alexander & Vice Chair Amar Sohi owner of Holiday Inn Express in Atascadero.
Inaugural festival declared a success
–On a beautiful, crisp Saturday, the first annual Atascadero Cider Festival was held at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion by the Atascadero Tourism Board. Thirteen cider houses offered a variety of tastings for a hip, young crowd of cider enthusiasts.
From dry to sweet ciders, with an occasional pear offering thrown in, there was a lot for the crowd to taste. Templeton’s 15 Degrees C Wine Shop and Bar was giving out delicious bacon wrapped dates as appetizers.
A representative from Jean Marie Cidery pouring tastings.
Everyone attending was given a cider tasting glass, thanks to Tin City Hard Apple Cider, bags of chips to munch on provided by Taco Works, a delicious dinner and the cool sounds of Alec Lytle & Them Rounders. The band was the perfect choice to pair with the event; not too loud, great current-Americana sound, and everyone could enjoy tasting and talking at the same time.
One attendee, Josh Armstrong, said “For it’s first time, this a pretty well run event and good food. I wish it was outdoors though…feels a little crowded in here.” With such a successful turn out, maybe next year they will have it outdoors. the weather was perfect for it.
“Very interesting to see the different styles of cider as well as the uniqueness of each Cider Makers versions,” said Colin Baker, another attendee. “Very happy to see this industry really take off and introduce people to what cider can really be. It’s an art and science, just like food, beer and wine. I would like to see more vendors but keep it a small event so that you really get to learn everyone’s stories and learn about their processes involving the making of their ciders. It seemed to be a great success in its inaugural year and I am certain it will grow with each year.”
“It was another great event!” said Atascadero Assistant City Manager Terrie Banish.
