This year was the 4th Annual Pour the Core: Hard Cider Festival, on October 15, 2016. This year brought even more cider and a contest, each guest recieved a 2 oz. souvenir tasting cup (sponsored by Woodchuck Cider) and the freedom to enjoy samples from any vendor!
The festival was held at The Navy Yard at 4747 South Broad Street, Philadelphia. The weather could not have been more beautiful as we waited in line to receive refreshing and delicious samples from more than 75 local, national and international cider producers. Pour the Core proudly showcased many locally made ciders from some of Pennsylvania’s producers, including Jack’s Hard Cider (Biglerville, PA), Kurant Cider (Perkasie, PA), Hardball Cider (Mount Bethel, PA), and festival first-timer Power Core Hard Cider (Coudersport, PA).
Pour The Core allowed 25 ticket holders the chance to compete and show-off their pie eating skills- the winner received a prize package valued at over $500 furnished by Hard Cider News and Starfish Junction, producers of the Pour The Core event. All contestants will receive one apple pie baked by Frecon Farms, farmers and cidermakers from Boyertown, PA. The contest was timed, and the winner was the contestant who first finished their pie without using their hands.
“We’re super excited to bring this new contest element to the cider festival,” said Event Manager Kristyn Dolan. “The apple pie eating contest is fun to do and fun to watch…and another way to showcase the star of the show, the beloved apple.”
This event surely impressed both cider lovers and the gluten-free crowds. Understanding the need for a gluten free substitute, the beer industry have taken notice of the increasing demand for cider in recent years. The event offered a unique line-up of ciders to sample, including big names like Woodchuck, Crispin, Magners, and Strongbow Cider.
Food was available to purchase from some of Philly’s most popular food trucks like Hai Street Kitchen, Baby Blues BBQ, The Cow and The Curd, and more. Award-winning Strongbow Cider from England had a DJ spinning top hits from a chic lounge, and Woodchuck Cider from Vermont offered some amazing new ciders as they celebrate their 25th anniversary with the festival attendees.
Pour The Core: Philly has selected the Committee to Benefit the Children (CBC), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and their families who face cancer, leukemia and serious blood disorders, as its charity partner this year. Attendees are encouraged to participate in a food drive which will be taking place and bring items like dry pasta, jarred pasta sauce, canned tuna/chicken and other non-perishable food items to the event. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will also go towards the CBC’s wonderful work.
The Navy Yard in located at 4747 South Broad Street, Philadelphia. Round trip complimentary shuttle bus service is offered courtesy of the event organizers from the Broad & Pattison SEPTA station to the Navy Yard on event day. Free on-site parking is also available.
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