September 19 2011 at 01:36AM
Old Otter Holler Farm Fun Day
Equine Demonstration
The farm tour will include an introduction to a couple of different kinds of horses, a Peruvian Paso which is a naturally gaited horse known for its smooth "Rolls Royce" ride and English style tack and saddle, and Haflingers which are smaller draft horses used for riding and driving with Western style tack and saddle.
We will have a small demonstration where we will go into the history and original breeding purposes for these horses and point out their physical differences as well as the differences in how to "gear" them up and how they ride.
Making Sweet Apple Cider by Hand
- Apple Washing and Preparation
- Apple Shredding
- Apple Pressing
- Apple Cider Collection, Filtering, and Transfer to Containers
- The pressing process will require a minimum of 8 participants so please register early to help us determine whether we can offer this activity early.
Hayride
There will be a short tour of the farm on a hay wagon.
Proposed Schedule
Farm Arrival, Meet/Greet, and Lunch – 11:00 AM
Apple Pressing and Cleanup – 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Farm Tour and Equine Demonstration - 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Hayride - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Farm Departure – 4:30 PM
Lunch
Old Otter Hollow Farm will provide chicken barbecue sandwiches from our organic free-range chickens, chips, pickle, and a beverage for lunch as well as samples of sweet apple cider as we press the apples. Children may also be able to roast a hot dog on an open fire.
Risks
On August 26, 1997 the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked makers of unpasteurized apple juice and cider to warn customers that these drinks could contain bacteria dangerous to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems. The bacteria of primary concern in these products are E. coli 0157:H7.
Here at OOHF we do not use windfall apples (apples that fall to the ground) in our apple juice, which is how the bacteria may be introduced to the apple. In addition, we add a tiny amount of bleach to the wash water and wash the apples thoroughly before pressing.
When pressing apples, there is also a danger of wasp, hornet, or bee stings since these insects are attracted to the sweet smell of the freshly squeezed cider. By conducting the event after the first average frost date for the area (mid-October), this risk is minimized. However, there is still a small risk that some insects may be present and anyone who is severely allergic to stings should either not participate, or have medication on hand in case of a sting.
Participant Dress and Supplies
Participants should wear outdoor clothing that is comfortable while doing light to moderate work. In addition, participants should also bring quart jars (with lids) or a gallon jug and cooler to store and transport their apple cider.
Participant Take-Away
In the time allotted, the group should be able to press about two to three bushels of apples (~ 125 lbs) resulting in about 6 gallons of sweet cider. The cider will be divided among the participants to take home if they wish.
Cost
Single Adult ($15.00)
Family ($20.00)
Registration is available on the chapter website at http://www.wvovpmi.org or by contacting Marvin Taylor at President@wvovpmi.org or by calling 304-541-9964.
Registration deadline is 10/10/2011
Contact Information and Location
Thomas and Kathie Key
Old Otter Holler Farm
HC 73, Box 24
Creamery Road
Pence Springs, WV 24962
(304) 466-1953
Alternate Contact
Marvin Taylor, President@wvovpmi.org mobile (304)541-9964
