Washougal company to produce cider event

A Washougal business that manages several special events will produce the Portland City of Cider festival.

The event, directed by Metropolitan Productions, will be open to all ages Friday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 15, from noon to 8 p.m., in the Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive.

54-40 and Amnesia Brewing, both of Washougal, will be among the participating breweries.

Dozens of ciders from around the U.S. will be available to sample, in addition to a selection of beers, wines and distilled spirits from area companies. Food will be available to purchase.

There will be live entertainment, additional exhibitors and children’s activities.

For two years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Portland held the NW CiderFest at Pioneer Square.

Sean Guard, president and chief executive officer of Metropolitan Productions, said the MDA decided not to run the event this year.

After hearing that the event was going away, Metropolitan officials decided to produce it and donate the proceeds to MDA.

“It’s a win-win-win for us, the MDA and the public,” Guard said. “Moving the event to an indoor setting and reaching out to many additional vendors will help strengthen the event for the future.”

Tickets are $12 for ages 13 and older. Children age 12 and younger will be admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance through TicketsWest at www.ticketswest.com.

For information about volunteer opportunities at the cider event, call 210-5275, email info@metroproductions.net or visit www.pdxcityofcider.com.