Apple Cider Press Youth Rally canceled amid wildfires

CASHMERE — The annual Apple Cider Press Youth Rally — widely known as the “Cider Press Rally” — scheduled for Oct. 10–12 at the Chelan County Expo Center has been canceled for 2025 due to the ongoing wildfire conditions in the Cashmere area, organizers announced this week. The three-day faith-based youth gathering typically draws students from around the Northwest for worship, teaching, and games at the fairgrounds.

The decision comes with smoke and fire activity still affecting day-to-day planning across the valley. Organizers said they made the call out of caution and in the interest of families and volunteers who would have traveled in for the weekend. As of Friday afternoon, the Expo Center’s online calendar still listed the event on its upcoming schedule; however, the rally’s own website confirmed the cancellation. If you’ve already registered, check the rally’s website or social pages for updates and contact information regarding next steps.

The Cider Press weekend traditionally uses multiple fairgrounds spaces, with a camp-style schedule — evening sessions on Friday, a full day of activities on Saturday, and a closing gathering on Sunday — and it often overlaps with other October events at the fairgrounds. While a cancellation this close to the date is disappointing, both air quality conditions and varying levels of readiness for possible evacuations in this region made it impossible to guarantee safety.

Families looking for alternatives can still find seasonal activities around town that don’t require travel or large indoor gatherings. Cashmere’s month-long Scare-Crazy displays are up across downtown and neighborhoods — a low-intensity, daylight stroll that works around smoky hours. In Peshastin, Smallwood’s Harvest is in full fall mode with pumpkins and kid-friendly attractions; check conditions and plan shorter visits on hazier days.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media