If you don’t have plans to watch the Big Game on Saturday but you’d still like to experience the thrill of watching athletic people caper through the mud, head to Meridian Park for the Sound & Fury Morris Dancers’ Annual Apple Wassail.
At 2:30 pm on Saturday, Morris dancers from Seattle and Portland will bring a bit of English holiday cheer to Wallingford with traditional dance, song and a blessing of the apple trees. Apple trees are sacred to Morris dancers because they provide the fruit from which cider is made. Morris dancers need few excuses to dance, sing and drink, so sacred apples trees are as good a reason as any.
Neighbors are strongly encouraged to don their rain apparel, learn a new song, and join the Morris dancers in a salute to the trees and a good crop. There will be noise makers for helping scare off any malevolent spirits that would cause a poor harvest. Apple cider and apple cake will be provided. Children are highly encouraged to attend with their parents.
To join in the revelry, make your way to the Northeast corner of Meridian Park at 2:30 pm and look for the people dressed in funny costumes.
To read more about the history of Apple Wassailing, read Margaret’s post here.
Disclaimer: I am a Morris dancer, and I vote.