Final Passport event includes a special fund-raiser for Riverfolk

There’s nothing like Michigan in the fall. Fresh apples and cider are the perfect accompaniment to the turning of the leaves. Tour the historic Alber Orchard and Cider Mill this Saturday to learn about cider production, and enjoy a presentation on the Bethel Church Road area settlement and Native American trails provided by the Manchester Area Historical Society. A farm-to-table meal will be enjoyed, subject to restrictions, accompanied by the ever-popular Mr. B’s Joybox Express.

Starting at 10 am, participants will gather under the shelters at the Cider Mill, to hear opening remarks by Riverfolk's Aileen Rohwer. Manchester Area Historical Society's (MAHS) Ray Berg will talk about historical figure Jason Gillette, his property purchase on the Native American Raisin Trail, and “What Did the Alber Family do with their Trash in the 1800s?”

Owners Mike and Therese Bossory will welcome everyone to the Cider Mill, providing a brief history, products produced, and the expansion work that is under way, followed by a walking tour of the grounds and mill buildings, with strolling musician(s) located along the tour route.

At 11:30 am, The Manchester Mirror's own Fritz Swanson will provide a brief printing press demonstration, followed by the Farm to Table Fundraiser meal prepared by Fresh Forage. Special portions of the meal will be provided from Alber’s Orchard and Why Not Pie? Enjoy your meal accompanied by music from Mr. B’s Joybox Express and special guests

After lunch, there will be free time to visit the mill store and roam the grounds, along with printing press demos and hayrides.

Advanced reservations are recommended! Sign up at Eventbrite. All registrations will receive a free "economy" passport booklet. Add-on options for an additional charge include the boxed lunch from Fresh Forage and a hand letterpress archival passport..

This event is supported in part by the Manchester Area Historical Society, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, and Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.