Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill Announces Mid-Winter Event Line-up, Including New Bavarian Winterfest Jan. 18

Photo Courtesy of Blake’s

BEAT THE MID-WINTER BLUES AT BLAKE’S ORCHARD AND CIDER MILL!

Inaugural Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest, 9^th Annual Chili Cook-Off, Homemade Paczki, Mom/Son & Dad/Daughter Dances, and More.

The holidays have come and gone, but there is plenty of fun in store for the New Year at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, kicking off with the first ever Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest and the 9^th Annual Chili Cook-Off. These family-friendly events are the perfect excuse to bundle up and embrace the season.

NEW Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest – Jan. 18, from 12 – 7 p.m. at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Bavarian culture or just want to try something new, this family-friendly celebration promises to deliver a winter wonderland with German-inspired fun. Event highlights include authentic German cuisine, such as bratwurst and schnitzel, live bands featuring polka music and traditional Bavarian tunes, German brews, a sauerkraut making workshop, and stein hoisting competitions. Tickets are $5 per person. Admission, plus 10 lbs. of make-your-own- sauerkraut, is $15.

Blake’s 9^th Annual Chili Cook-Off Competition – Feb. 15, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Chili is the name of the game at Blake’s annual Chili Cook-Off. The family-friendly event will offer plenty of chili to sample, along with live music, games, craft hard cider, and beer. Judging begins at 4 p.m. where contestants face off in categories like four-legged, two-legged, exotic, and no-legged. Interested competitors may register through Jan. 31. A $20 entry fee includes admission for one chili chef and one helper, along with a commemorative t-shirt and pint of hard cider or craft beer. Admission for chili tasters is $23 in advance and $28 at the door. Tickets include unlimited chili samples, a logo pint glass, a pint of hard cider or craft beer, games, and live music. Kids two and under are free.

Paczki Program – Jan. 15 – March 4 at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill and Blake’s Backyard

Get your fill of this famous Polish treat by pre-ordering, or visiting, to enjoy Blake’s homemade Paczki. Flavors and pricing are as follows:

• Classic (Lemon, Custard, Strawberry, Raspberry)

o   $3.49/Single

o   $17.99/Half Dozen

o   $29.99/Dozen

• Specialty (Caramel Apple, Triple Jam, Chocolate Bavarian, Cookies & Cream, Cherry Delight)

o   $3.95/Single

o   $19.99/Half Dozen

This year, customers can also enjoy a special combo 6-pack deal on their choice of the following for just $28.99:

• Triple Jam Paczki 6-pack and Triple Jam Hard Cider 6-pack
• Caramel Apple Paczki and American Apple Hard Cider 6-pack

Pre-orders are available Jan 15 – March 1 at www.blakefarms.com. Pick-up will be available Thurs – Sun from Jan 16 through March 4 (Fat Tuesday) at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill and Blake’s Backyard.

Igloo Dining – Now – March 2,2025, at Blake’s Tasting Room in Armada and Blake’s Backyard in Almont

Stay cozy and warm inside an igloo, while enjoying an assortment of delicious food and drinks. Reservations are required, including a $15.00 non-refundable deposit, and must be made at www.blakefarms.com.

Blake’s Brunch – Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Blake’s Tasting Room

Sunday brunch returns on Jan. 7 with a buffet brunch featuring a variety of savory and sweet menu items, including a waffle bar, and cider-mosa flights. Cost is $25.95 for adults, $10.95 for kids 10 and under, ages two under are free. Call (586) 784-9463 for reservations. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

Additional Events:

• Monster Mania – Jan. 12 at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Mike Wasowski and Sulley are the stars at the monstrously fun character event with photo opps, activities, crafts, donuts and cider. Tickets are $19.95 for kids, $12.95 for adults, ages two and under and free.
• Blankets & Brews – Jan. 14 at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Create a chunky knit blanket with step-by-step instruction from AR Workshop of Macomb. No experience needed. Registration fee is $99 and includes all materials and a pint of hard cider or beer.
• Renew & Reset: New Year Yoga – Jan. 25 at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Start the year with intention mindfulness, and movement. This 60-minute class is for all skill levels. Tickets are $35 and include one pint of hard cider or beer to be redeemed after class.

Locations and New Hours of Operation (effective Jan. 2)

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (17985 Armada Center Rd., Armada): Mon. – Sun. from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tasting Room at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Mon. – Wed. from 12 – 9 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Blake’s Backyard Almont (5580 Van Dyke Ave., Almont): Market open Mon. – Wed. from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Taproom open Mon. – Wed. from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Visit www.blakefarms.com for more information, to purchase tickets, and make reservations.

 About Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Blake’s family-owned and operated orchard and cider mill in Armada, Mich. has been serving generations since 1946. With a commitment to excellence, a memorable experience is in store with delicious cider and donuts, corn mazes, haunted houses, hayrides, hard cider bar, and more. As one of the first U-Pick orchards in the state, we pride ourselves on offering the freshest fruit and vegetables, right at your fingertips including apples, strawberries, cherries, and peaches. Visit www.blakefarms.com.