Apple Stock continues to give back

By Erin Hawkins • October 4, 2017 1:30 am
Coordinators of the eighth annual Apple Stock benefit, Jonathan Simonson, Kelly Sanders and Mark Schwartz prepare to press organic apples into cider from Oct. 6 through Oct. 8. The three-day event features music, cider pressing and concessions with donations going toward local causes. Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins
Coordinators of the eighth annual Apple Stock benefit, Jonathan Simonson, Kelly Sanders and Mark Schwartz prepare to press organic apples into cider from Oct. 6 through Oct. 8. The three-day event features music, cider pressing and concessions with donations going toward local causes. Sequim Gazette photo by Erin Hawkins

Members of the faith community are kicking off the eighth annual Apple Stock with live music, cider pressing and family fun to benefit two local women fighting cancer and leukemia and a food bank in Port Angeles.

This year, Williams Manor at 4043 Sequim-Dungeness Way will host a three-day event starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. that runs until 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, in the Manor’s iconic orchard.

Mark Schwartz, co-coordinator of the event, said while the orchard is around 120 years old, “It still cranks out the fruit.”

Schwartz said pressing the organic apples into cider is a popular way to consume the fruit.

“It’s a lot of fun for people to participate,” Schwartz said.

Guests can get free admission to the event by bringing canned food donations. The donations for food and cider will benefit Nicole Merrigan and Carol Ohno, two local mothers fighting cancer and leukemia.

Carlsborg local River Jensen also will be collecting hats, gloves, socks and toiletries for her gift bags for the homeless, and canned food donations will be distributed through the Independent Bible Church food cupboard in Port Angeles.

Schwartz said the event last year drew 1,000 people over two days.

Coordinators of the event encourage guests to bring a jacket, picnic blanket, canned food donations and supplies to help the homeless.

The benefit also welcomes donations for concessions and cider, as well as contributions of desserts on Friday and potluck dishes on Sunday.

The schedule for the event is as follows:

Friday, Oct. 6: “Under the Stars and ‘Round the Fire,’” 5:30-9:30 p.m. with live music, open mic karaoke and a special welcome to Peninsula College international students and their host families. Food and cider will be served by donation and guests are asked to bring a dessert to share.

Saturday, Oct. 7: Live music will last from noon to 9 p.m. along with activities such as cider pressing, bonfires, s’mores, beach volleyball, outdoor tic-tac-toe and concessions.

Sunday, Oct. 8: A worship service and community potluck, apple picking and cider pressing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Gospel Opry Band from Port Townsend will perform country gospel, Nashville ballads, blues and bluegrass at 2 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Schwartz at 460-3763 or schwartzme@live.com.