Mar 27, 2018

Cider Week coming to Grand Rapids with May celebration

The Michigan Cider Association (MCA), with support from Experience Grand Rapids, announce the second-annual Cider Week GR, happening May 13-19.

The weeklong celebration brings hard cider makers from around the world to Michigan, the third largest producer of apples in the U.S. Cider Week GR will include a variety of industry events, including the world’s largest cider judging competition – Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP) – local tap takeovers, and a hard cider festival.

“A lot of people are unaware that Grand Rapids is producing some of the best cider in the nation,” said Paul Vander Heide, owner of Vander Mill, and president of the United States Association of Cider Makers. “Cider Week GR is an important event because it not only brings the community together to enjoy various ciders, but it also brings awareness to West Michigan’s expansive apple production through various events.”

Cider Week GR’s public event, Gillett Bridge Festival, will take place on the Gillett Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday, May 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets range from $10 – $25. The festival is open to the public and features hard cider from more than 11 Michigan cideries. Attendees will also enjoy a line-up of local music and food.

GLINTCAP will take place May 16-19 at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids. The 13th annual GLINTCAP features cider producers from more than 10 countries, competing for awards in 18 categories. The competition is closed to the public, but winners will be announced at the Gillett Bridge Festival.

Apples are the largest and most profitable fruit crop in Michigan, according to the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC):

●        In 2016, farmers in Michigan harvested 28 million bushels (1.176 billion pounds) of apples

●        60 percent of Michigan’s apples are grown within 10 miles of Grand Rapids

●        Michigan has more than 11.3 million apple trees in commercial production, which span 35,500 acres on 825 family-run farms

●        Michigan slices more apples for apple-based dishes and beverages (pies, applesauce, apple juice, cider) than any other state

Additional Cider Week GR highlights will be released at a later date. For more information about Cider Week GR visit ciderweekgr.com.