Franklin County Warms-up Autumn In New England

Franklin County Warms-Up Autumn in New England
with the 11th Annual CiderDay Festival

-- Numerous Activities and Events Featured on www.ciderday.org -

Franklin County, MA, October 17, 2005 - Take a minute and let the memory of the savory, spicy scent of warm apple cider instill Autumn into your mind. Picture the warm colors of apple red, pumpkin orange, and sunshine yellow as the leaves turn along country roads. Autumn is a special time in Franklin County and the chief destination for apple lovers, cider makers, orchardists, and families. On November 5-6, they will all come together to celebrate a New England tradition at the 11th Annual CiderDay Festival in Franklin County, Massachusetts.

Apple adventures abound on this November weekend as visitors are invited to engage in discussions, seminars, and tastings where they will learn about ciders, apples and cheese. The weekend offers activities for the entire family, mostly free of charge.

Throughout the weekend, visitors are encouraged to walk along the scenic rivers and rolling hills of Franklin County and to partake in captivating orchard tours at various locations. Here, guests can explore and learn how fresh apples are pressed into delicious cider. Additionally, the festival features educational workshops in pruning and grafting for hard cider producers, orchardists and apple enthusiasts.

"CiderDay is a county-wide event that is enjoyable for all ages. The festival provides visitors the opportunity to admire our beautiful orchards and to meet and learn from seasoned cider makers and skilled orchardists," said Ann Hamilton, president of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.

The West County Winery began Cider Day in 1994 to celebrate Franklin County's traditions of apples and hard cider. The event has evolved, gaining popularity within the county and attracting tourists throughout and beyond the New England region. Today it is "THE" New England event of the season.

About Franklin County
Franklin County in Western Massachusetts is a two-hour drive from Boston or Providence, a three-hour drive from Manhattan and a one-hour drive from Hartford. This area attracts visitors to the villages of Shelburne Falls and Northampton (ranked #1 out of 100 best small art towns in America) for gallery tours of local artists, antique shopping, fine dining and theatre performances. Many also are drawn to the original charm of Historic Deerfield, where visitors can experience the 18th and 19th century by touring many museum houses. To learn more about other activities in Franklin County, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (413) 773-5463 or visit www.franklincc.org. Additional information can be obtained from the Franklin County Visitors Information Center at (413) 773-9393, conveniently at the intersection of Rt 91 and Route 2 (The Mohawk Trail).


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