2nd Annual Orchard Wassail - January 16, 2016

Wassail God

Wayne County, NY is the second largest apple producing region in the United States next to Washington state. As a resident, we are proud to boast this fact as our guests marvel at the landscape when they drive through miles of orchards in the area. Since we have lived here, the apple growers have become more innovative not only in the growing process, but the plethora of varieties of apples as well as, the amazing products produced from the fruit. Not just apple sauce, apple cider and baby foods, but distilled products such as, apple jack, vodka, cordials, wine and hard cider.

dancing and singing to the Wassail God

What is a Wassail?  Wassailing refers to drinking (and singing) to the health of the cider producing trees that they may thrive and produce a bountiful crop.  It's a celebration that takes place each January thanking the Gods for an abundant crop and praying for the upcoming growing season to be just as rich as the previous. Drinking, singing and dancing from one orchard to the next placing toast soaked in Wassail (made from the previous years fruit) on the branches as a gift to the tree spirits.

Last year was our first time experiencing the Wassail celebration. We really didn't know what to expect other than we knew there was going to be drinking, singing, and dancing in the orchard. After enjoying some great food and spirits with some Celtic music of this 1800's we were called out to a huge bonfire and asked to bang on pots and pans to awaken the cider tree spirits. We were then led in the Wassailing ceremony singing the following lyrics:

Apple tree, apple tree, we all come to wassail thee,

Bear this year and next year to bloom and to blow.

Hat fulls, cap fulls, three cornered sack fills,

Hip, Hip, Hip, hurrah.

Holler biys, holler hurray

We had a great time with great food, spirits, and friends!

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Orchard Wassail and Cocktail Party

January 16, 2016  6:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

Apple Country Spirits - 3274 Eddy Road, Williamson, NY

Maxwell Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast is offering a 10% discount on any room for the month of January. Good on any room, any night.  No other discounts apply. Other restrictions apply. Call for details.