Can I bring a dog?
We are sorry but dogs are not allowed at Ciderfest.
Should I bring wellies or rubber boots?
Yes, one for each foot. In the fall the temperature swings a lot resulting in tons of dew even with fair weather. Rubber boots (AKA wellies) are great to have in the morning.
Where is Ciderfest (and how do I get there)?
Crooked Brook Farm in So. Strafford, VT.
Please download directions here.
Do not count on cell phones helping you get there. There will not be consistent cell service.
Can I bring a guest?
Because Ciderfest is a private party, we don’t want attendance to get out of hand. We also don’t want to be overly exclusive. If there are people that you think we should invite, please let one of us know. Partners and children are, of course, explicitly invited.
How much and what kind of potluck food should I bring?
Potluck food helps feed everyone over the weekend and creates a festive atmosphere. Starting in 2024 we are encouraging people who optionally sign up to bring potluck to bring a larger quantity to minimize the number of different dishes we have to coordinate. Ideally dishes are made ahead of time and if dishes need heating make sure they can be heated on a stove top; oven space is not available. Alcohol does not count as a potluck food 🙂 but is welcome.
For all potluck dishes it would be helpful if they were big enough to feed 15, 20, up to 30 people as part of a meal.
Quantity guidelines and some suggestions for good dishes:
- Cold Grain or Pasta salads, i.e. Tabuli, Couscous, Pesto etc. (3 to 6 quarts)
- Quiche or other similar dishes that can be served cold (2+)
- Big pots of Soups or Stews (1 to 2 gallons)
- All kinds of desserts that don’t need refrigeration (a few batches of cookies, brownies, or equivalent)
We will ask you to label your dish when you arrive to specify if it is vegetarian, vegan or to indicate if it has dietary elements that some people will be trying to avoid. Instructions will be provided when you arrive. Thanks, and we hope you can take part in the feast.
If you are bringing potluck food please look at what other’s are bringing and sign up here.
What is the Family Food Table? The table is a place where anyone can get a snack between meals. Most used by families and kids, but available for anyone. There tends to be bread, PB&J, bananas and other things that are easy to grab or kids may like. Ciderfest provides some food for the table and others bring things to add and share as well.
What are the Ciderhouse rules?
The Ciderhouse Rules is a somewhat dark novel by John Irving. We also have a set of rules / expectations for ciderfest guests (especially for kids and their parents).
What if I have food allergies or specific dietary requirements?
If you’re vegetarian or don’t eat dairy, you should find plenty to eat. If you’re vegan or have other specific needs you might want to let us know.
What’s the deal with chore assignments?
We request that everyone participate in a specific work shift during the weekend. The signup board will be in the bottom of the barn; please sign up when you arrive. If you don’t already know Allison it would be great if you could introduce yourself to her as well.
How and why do I pay?
Please visit this page for payment options.
Our goal in collecting donations is to break even. Money goes mostly to food but also to things like dance floors, propane, extension chords, tarps, and tables. If the cost is a problem for you let us know and we’ll work something out.
What information is there for musicians?
Lots on its own page.
What should I bring?
- Warm sleeping bag and pad
- Tent (optional – you can sleep in the barn)
- Warm clothes
- Rain gear
- Musical instruments
- Dance shoes
- Hiking boots
- Rubber Boots
- Flashlight
- Significant other
- Potluck food for the weekend (if you signed up)
- Empty jugs to donate for cider distribution. Seltzer and soda bottles are ideal. You may not get them back. Depending on yield we may send a liter home with guests.
- More warm clothes
- Camp Chair
- Extra blankets
- Sunscreen
Can my child bring to or play electronic games at Ciderfest?
No, not in public spaces where it will be visible to other families. Please leave the electronic games at home. Use of cameras and phones as cameras is fine but let’s try and keep the electronics to a minimum at Ciderfest. Phone reception is minimal to non-existent at Ciderfest.
Is there anything I should know before bringing my children to Ciderfest?
Please see the page on expectations for parents and children. We welcome and have activities for children at Ciderfest. However, please take responsibility for your children while they are there. There are numerous dangers, heights, hard objects, tools etc.