There will be a celebration of spring and the upcoming harvest at May Day at the Sea Cider orchard in Central Saanich this Sunday.
It’s an annual spring event at Sea Cider and owner and cider master Kristen Jordan says families are welcome to come to the grounds to enjoy music, entertainment and education.
“May Day celebrates the return of the sun and fertility to the soil — all things we eagerly anticipate in the orchard,” Jordan said.
A maypole will be set up and Quicksbottom Morris and Island Thyme Morris dancers will perform. Morris dancers, Jordan said, perform around the world on May Day to “wake up the sun and ensure it continues to rise for another year.”
Children will be treated to scavenger hunts and cupcake decorating and The Sweet Lowdown Duo with guest Chris Herbst will perform roots music throughout the day.
There will be an education component to the day as well. Jordan said beekeepers from the Capital Region’s beekeeper’s association will be at the orchard to tell people about the importance of bees’ pollination. Jordan said the cidery each year brings in hives from Van Isle Apiaries in order to pollinate their fruit trees. They too will be at Sea Cider, offering honey tastings.
“Bees are important,” Jordan said. “It’s so essential to our crop. If we didn’t have hives, it would be a serious issue for us.”
As visitors arrive on Sunday, they will be treated to a celebratory — and complimentary — welcome beverage.
Sunday will also mark the limited release of Sea Cider’s Perry — made from pears from an ancient North Saanich orchard.
Guests can enjoy the food of Truffles Catering and Food For Thought Catering, who have paired their menus with Sea Cider’s offerings.
While people can enjoy the entertainment, children’s games and education for free, food and drink samples will be available with the purchase of $2 tickets.
“Come and enjoy the entertainment or learn about the bees,” said Jordan. “There’s something for everybody.”
Sea Cider’s May Day takes place this Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the orchard at 2487 Mt. St. Michael Rd.