VIFC Membership Benefits

Your $30 Annual VIFC Family Membership includes:

• Membership to Western Cascade Fruit Society as an affiliate chapter member

• Monthly in person VIFC educational events

• Pruning, grafting and fruit cultivation workshops by expert orchardists

• Annual Summer Picnic and Salmon BBQ (included with membership)

• Access to our research and demonstration orchard at Sunrise Ridge with over 250 varieties of fruit trees

• Cider Guild Access & Cider Guild Events

• Group fall fruit harvesting and picking events

• Annual Amateur Cider Contest at CiderFest (must be a VIFC member to participate)

• Discounts on fruit trees

• Volunteer opportunities at our annual events

VIFC Events Members Enjoy Annually

Research & Demonstration Orchard

VIFC has maintained a research and demonstration orchard on Sunrise Ridge at the Dr. Bob Norton Memorial Orchard since 2012. Over 250 varieties of fruit trees as well as other plants are grown in the orchard. The orchard is open to members, work crews and to the general public during open houses. Volunteers maintain the orchard weekly and events are held in the orchard throughout the year.

Educational Events

Educational events bring together expert speakers to share knowledge on the art and science of fruit cultivation, with a focus on the distinctive challenges and opportunities presented by Vashon Island's environment. Join us to delve into the intricacies of growing fruit in this vibrant and picturesque locale.

Pruning Demonstrations

Expert-orchardists provide hands-on training at Vashon Island Fruit Club member orchards. Members learn skills around precision pruning techniques, empowering them to enhance their understanding around fruit trees' health, productivity and aesthetic appeal.

Graft Demonstrations

Discover the secrets of grafting at our Vashon Island demonstrations. Led by experienced orchardists, these sessions offer a hands-on exploration into the intricacies of grafting techniques. Participants will learn how to skillfully combine different fruit varieties, creating resilient and productive trees. 

Cider Guild

Created in 2022, the Cider Guild unites VIFC members across all levels of experience who want to advance their own craft and knowledge of cider and perry making. The Guild hosts quarterly events that focus on seasonably related topics encountered along the cider making journey including tours, talks, hands-on demonstrations and tastings. It also hosts an amateur cider contest at the annual CiderFest event where VIFC member ciders are judged by premier regional cider makers.

Strawberry Festival

Originating in 1909 and officially established as an annual event in 1912, the Strawberry Festival symbolizes a community's enduring love for strawberries. Today, while commercial strawberry production has transitioned predominantly to home gardeners, the festival remains a poignant celebration of our agricultural roots. In tandem with this tradition, the Vashon Island Fruit Club (VIFC) plays a crucial role by providing valuable education to the community on fruit growing. Through its efforts, VIFC contributes to preserving the island's horticultural legacy and empowering residents with knowledge about sustainable fruit cultivation practices.

VIFC Members Annual Picnic & Salmon BBQ

Indulge in a culinary celebration of community and local flavors from our own gardens at the Vashon Island Fruit Club's (VIFC) Annual Salmon BBQ. This highly anticipated event brings us together to savor the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Immerse yourself in the smoky aroma of freshly grilled salmon, with one of the club member’s secret glazing sauce. The Picnic and BBQ offers an opportunity to connect with more than 100 VIFC members, enjoy live music, and relish a variety of delicious side dishes made by club members – many sourced from the island's bountiful harvests. 

Fall Fruit Harvest & Picking

Harvest season is one of the best times of the year on Vashon. During our harvest and picking events you’ll receive hands-on tips from experienced Vashon orchardists who demonstrate proper fruit picking techniques, including how to identify ripe fruit and avoid damaging trees. Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting difference in our Vashon community around the stewardship of our island fruit trees.

CiderFest

VIFC's vibrant fall festival celebrates Vashon Island's orchard heritage. Attendees experience cider tastings, savor fresh baked apple crisps and fresh pressed cider. Deepen your tree identification skills on informative orchard tours. The festival is family-friendly, featuring engaging games for kids and fostering a strong sense of community. VIFC also hosts the amateur cider contest judged by premier regional cider makers, where VICF club members showcase their unique blends.

Field Trips

Members dive into the heart of local and regional orchards and gain firsthand knowledge from seasoned fruit enthusiasts and experts. These excursions to orchards, fruit shows and fruit-related events provide a unique opportunity to experience diverse fruit cultivation practices, learn about sustainable orchard management, and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about horticulture.