Courtesy of Rick Weintraub
Though now engine-powered, this century-old cider press is the highlight of Belmont’s Cider Days.
Oct. 10 & 11 — BELMONT — Imagine watching fresh cider being made on a century old press and then enjoying a cup of that cider (hot or cold) with home-baked apple pie or crisp topped with ice cream or Crowley cheese. You don’t have to imagine it. Come to Belmont and take it all in along with wonderful fall colors, fresh cider for sale by the gallon, food and crafts vendors and more at Cider Days, Oct. 10 and 11. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday hours are from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Cider Days is a Vermont Chamber of Commerce Top Ten Fall Event and has grown in popularity over the years. It builds on a community tradition of local residents bringing their apples to the green to be pressed by neighbors – originally on a hand-cranked press. It’s still a hands-on process, but the century-old press used today does have an engine. And there’s no need to bring apples; they are provided right from the trees at Brown’s orchard in Poultney.
Also, see a special viewing of photos taken around Mount Holly for the 2017 MHCA calendar contest (and can purchase a 2016 calendar); and get your personal Souper Kids bowl, each uniquely decorated by students at the Mount Holly Elementary School, who also make delicious soups to go in the bowls. Browse hundreds of books at the library used book sale and the Mount Holly Museum, located next to the green, will be open.
On Saturday, stick around for a roast beef dinner, with seatings at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The fee is $12 for adults and $5 for children.
To get there, turn toward Belmont at the flashing light on Route 103 or turn at the Belmont sign from Route 155. Head up the hill, find a place to park and stroll through Belmont Village to the Green.
