Hundreds of islanders and Vashon visitors flocked to Cider Fest, presented by the Vashon Island Chamber of Commerce at Vashon Village on Saturday, Oct. 5.

In addition to offering tastings from award-winning regional producers, the Chamber partnered with the Vashon Island Fruit Club to present the 2nd Annual Vashon Cider Cup, for amateur cider makers.

That contest was judged by certified pommeliers — experts trained to understand the complex flavors and aromas of ciders. The Best in Show prize went to cider maker Alex Giron. Gold medal prizewinners included Jonathan Stein, in the Bold and Beautiful category; Alex Giron in the Delicate and Soft category; and Terry VanderWaal, in the Speciality category.

The family-friendly event also included a busy fruit pressing station, staffed by the Vashon Island Growers Association, non-alcoholic beverages, food vendors, live music, and educational activities.

Cider makers in attendance included Cockrell Cider Farm, from Puyallup; Empryical Orchard & Cidery, from Snohomish; Alpenfire Cider, from Port Townsend; Whitewood Cider Co., from Olympia, and Liberty Ciderworks, from Spokane. Vashon’s own Dragon’s Head Cider, Nashi Orchards and Shawnee Hill Farm were there too, of course.

Press then Press, a Seattle online business that exclusively focuses on selling ciders made around the world, also poured ciders at the event.

According to Cheryl Lubbert, co-chair of the Chamber’s board, and co-owner of Nashi Orchards, this year’s Cider Fest was very successful.

“Vashon Cider Fest is becoming the exclusive, best-in-class cider event of the year,” she said. “We had some of the best producers in Washington there.”

Sponsors for the event, she added, included the American Cider Association and the Pacific Northwest Cider Association.

Vashon is a perfect location for Cider Fest, according to Lubbert.

“On this island, we have one brewery and three cideries, and that is usually not the ratio, so that makes Vashon special,” she said. “It’s because of our agricultural heritage on Vashon that we can do this. It’s about having an environment and community that supports agriculture.”

Cider Fest organizers estimated that between 300-500 people attended the event. (Jim Diers photo)

Cider Fest organizers estimated that between 300-500 people attended the event. (Jim Diers photo)

Cheryl Lubbert, of Nashi Orchards (left), and Jennifer Potter prepare for the day at Cider Fest. (Elizabeth Shepherd photo)

Cheryl Lubbert, of Nashi Orchards (left), and Jennifer Potter prepare for the day at Cider Fest. (Elizabeth Shepherd photo)

Cheryl Lubbert, of Nashi Orchards (left), and Jennifer Potter prepare for the day at Cider Fest. (Elizabeth Shepherd photo)

Stephen Buffington, owner of Vashon’s Shawnee Hill Farm, greeted visitors to his booth at Cider Fest. (Jim Diers photo)

Laura Cherry, of Dragon’s Head Cider, greets Cider Fest attendees. (Jim Diers photo)