Whidbey Cider Festival returning to the prairie

As the weather begins to chill, a Central Whidbey nonprofit will be warming spirits with a taste of hard cider on the prairie.

From 12-6 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship outside Coupeville, guests of legal drinking age can sip hard cider, mead, spirits and other alcoholic beverages at the returning Whidbey Island Cider Festival.

“We are excited to bring Cider Fest back to (the institute) for its sixth year,” Julie Clark, the institute’s office manager, said.

Beginning in 2017, Cider Fest is the institute’s major fundraiser, helping to support its work rehabilitating 140 acres of Whidbey’s prairies. General admission to the event is free, but those wishing to partake in alcohol tasting must purchase tickets for $30 in advance or $35 at the door.