Since its launch three years ago, the Cider and Mead Festival has grown substantially each season.

“The original idea came from trying to get more tourists here outside of the normal season,” said organizer Rick Hughes. “I felt that cider business was going to explode and I wanted to support something that was made here in Washington. And I thought it would be a really fun activity and help launch the farmers market. I have a goal of 50 percent of the cafeteria food coming from local growers, so this supports the Farm to Cafeteria program.”

Around 20 hard cider and mead producers from the Northwest, California and British Columbia were represented under the big white tent on Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Eastsound Village Green on Orcas Island.

Some of those beverage makers are Finnriver, Sky River, Alpenfire, Honey Run, Methow Valley Ciderhouse, Hidden Valley, Tieton Cider Works, Chaucers Mead, Crispin, 2 Towns, and Snowdrift.

See the festivities in action on our slide show.