GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A whole lot of festivities are on tap for this year's Cider Week Grand Rapids.
The annual nine-day event gets underway Friday and runs through May 18th. It celebrates the thriving local cider scene. Indeed, organizers say the family farms around Kent County grow more apples than any other place in Michigan.
"Cider Week Grand Rapids is a way to celebrate Michigan apples. To celebrate all of the amazing hard ciders that are made here in Michigan. We actually have (more) hard-cider businesses than any other state," Paula England said in a telephone interview. She is executive director of the Michigan Cider Association.
It is run in conjunction with Experience Grand Rapids.
Among the festivities will be the 18th annual Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition that is known as "GlintCap," for short. It runs May 15th through the 17th at DeVos Place. Cider Week G.R. will wrap up May 18th with the Michigan Cider Fest at Rosa Parks Circle.
England noted there are a lot of very sweet ciders in Michigan, but also some dry, wine-like varieties. And there are some hop ciders that resemble beer.
"That will be a great opportunity for people to come out and sample all those different types of ciders," she said. "So, we are planning to have over 50 ciders available for people to try. There will be 18 different Michigan cider businesses that folks can interact with, as well as live music, games and food trucks. It's a day you won't want to miss."
England said Cider Week also is a way to introduce more people to hard cider.
"And the broad spectrum of flavors that we have here in Michigan. But also a way to partner with our local businesses in this community," she pointed out.
There will be "tap takeovers" at various bars and restaurants throughout the week.
"We have connected the managers and owners of businesses that typically would have - at least, in West Michigan - a number of beers on their draft lines, and have introduced them to some wonderful cider-makers throughout the state. And they will be featuring a lineup of hard ciders," England said.
So, for example, the 7 Monks Taproom, 740 Michigan St. NE, will offer 10 Michigan hard ciders for people to try. Thornapple Brewing Company, 6262 -28th St. SE, will offer a special lineup of cocktail-inspired hard ciders that it makes.
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