Here We Go a-Wassailing!  Join us at Albemarle CiderWorks for an afternoon of song, dance and cider in the orchard.

“Let every man take off his hat 
And shout out to th'old apple tree 
Old apple tree we wassail thee 
And hoping thou will bear.”

Traditionally, Wassails were held in orchards at the beginning of the New Year to wake up the cider apple trees, scare off evil spirits, and welcome good luck for a fruitful harvest.  Wassailers would parade out to the grandest tree in the orchard, accompanied by music, torches, and cider, and hang offerings of toast soaked in cider in the branches. 

Come out Sunday, January 11th and help us get our orcharding year off to a rousing start!  The Albemarle CiderWork's Irish Music Circle will lead the way with music and light.  There will be plenty of mulled cider to warm cold hands, and "proper" cider to fortify revelers.  Bring noisemakers (drums,pots, pans, tambourines) for waking up the trees, and dress warmly.  Regularly scheduled Irish music and Wassailing from 2.30 pm.  There is no cover charge for this event, and music will be rain or shine.