Where there’s a will, there a wassail
It’s time once again for Frisco visitors and residents to come a-wassailing. Wassail — that’s pronounced “wah-sull” and literally means “be you healthy,” in Old English.
The weeklong festival celebrating the drinking of cider kicks off today in Frisco, bringing holiday cheer and a little friendly rivalry among the 75 competitors who are in hot pursuit of the Wassail trophy.
The holiday kick-off, in its fifth year, will feature Frisco vendors serving up their wassail through Dec. 16. The event concludes with the naming of the business with the best tasting concoction.
Visitors and residents are encouraged to try the beverage at the numerous businesses throughout town. Each business will have free samples, $5 commemorative mugs and voting cards available.
“There are going to be 75 variations of completely unique wassail,” said Suzanne Lifgren, marketing director for the town of Frisco. “It’s a way for businesses to show case their personality — they all really take pride in the recipes and the competition part of it. Every difference in flavor is a conversation piece.”
The town is putting an extra emphasis on Wassail Days this year, said Lifgren. With the focus shifting to the Frisco Adventure Park Dec. 13, the town hopes to create a winter wonderland atmosphere through the holiday season.
Interested parties are encouraged to make reservations for free tubing, Nordic skiing and sleigh rides.
3 p.m. – Santa Dash for Cash on Main Street
4:30 p.m. – Tree-lighting ceremony at Historic Park gazebo
5-7 p.m. – Best in the West Chili Contest at Frisco Adventure Park lodge
Tuesday
6 p.m. – Santa’s Calling: Santa makes his special calls to good boys and girls
Wednesday
4-7 p.m. – Victorian Wassail Night at Frisco Historic Park & Museum
Thursday
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Free tubing at Frisco Adventure Park; reservations: (970) 668-2558
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Free Nordic ski day at Frisco Nordic Center; rental equipment & lessons available; call (970) 668-0866
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Free sleigh rides from Two Below Zero; reservations: (970) 453-1520
Saturday, Dec. 15
9 a.m. – Breakfast with Santa; call Summit County Preschool for reservations: (970) 668-5508 ext. 1
Noon to 2 p.m. – Santa visit at Frisco Historic Park & Museum
2 p.m. – Christmas carolers on Main Street
3:30 p.m. – Lil’ Rascals Rail Jam at Frisco Adventure Park, followed by fireworks
4-6 p.m. – The Frisco Adventure Park Birthday Bash: A special night of tubing with a rail jam, fireworks and cake
Sunday, Dec. 16
Final voting for your favorite wassail recipe in Frisco at the Frisco-Copper Visitor Information Center
Info: www.townoffrisco.com
2 quarts apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
12 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 pinch ground ginger
1 pinch ground nutmeg
Directions
In a slow-cooker or a large pot over low heat, combine apple cider, orange juice and lemon juice. Season with cloves, ginger and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer. If using a slow cooker, allow to simmer all day. Serve hot.
Source: Allrecipes.com
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