If one were to describe what fall tastes like, the description might include the opalescent sweetness of freshly pressed apple cider.

When talking about some of the best things about autumn, apple cider is right up there with the spectacular sight of trees dressed in the most vibrant of colors, pumpkins and all manner of the squash family, and, of course, that ghoulish day for hallowed souls and tricks or treats, Halloween.

Bayview Farm & Garden nursery in Langley has been welcoming visitors each year to a long tradition of celebrating the season by sampling the satisfying nectar of apples.

Apple Day celebrates that snappiest of fruits between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Bayview Corner.

After 12 years of using an old press, nursery owner Maureen Murphy said that visitors will appreciate the brand new cider press she bought expressly for Apple Day.

“It was made in Oregon and it’s beautiful,” Murphy said.

“I’m really looking forward to using it.”

Freshly pressed apple juice is quite different from the pasteurized cider sold at markets.

“Most people have never had apples freshly pressed and they’re usually surprised at how good it tastes,” Murphy said.

Though in past years they encouraged people to bring along their own apples for pressing, the nursery has ended that policy and will provide all the apples. But anyone can have a chance at helping to turn the press.

Cider is made with a variety of the mild tasting, but juicy, summer apples blended with fall apples, which tend to be more tart and spicy, Murphy explained.

Additionally, Apple Day guests can do some sampling at an apple tasting station that offers the gamut of Northwest varietals.

Besides getting to watch apples being pressed and tasting the finest cider and apples this side of the Cascades, the day also includes the island’s famous Mutt Strut, pumpkin and face painting and a tasty array of treats offered by local food vendors.

Dress up your favorite canine for the fifth annual Mutt Strut and have a chance to win the award for best dog costume, best owner and dog costume combo, best trick and best celebrity dog. There might even be a surprise prize category or two made up on the spot by emcee and Whidbey Island’s “Conductor of Fun” Jim Freeman.

Mutt Strut registration begins at noon.; the parade is at 1:30 p.m.

After having settled your doggie down for a rest under the apple tree away from the poochie paparazzi, get your mug painted by world-class face painters or enjoy painting a mug of your own at the pumpkin painting booth. After that, vote for your favorite scarecrow, designed by vendors of the Bayview Farmers Market.

Lots of tasty treats will be available to satiate your Apple Day appetite, including bratwurst and hot dogs grilled by the South Whidbey Lions Club, and handmade caramel apples made by Island Angel Chocolates. Also, the Bayview Farmers Market will be in full swing, while Taste 4 Wines will have its tasting room doors swung wide for grape-loving gastronomes.

Live music will be provided by the Stinging Nettles, performing their trademark brand of foot-tapping fiddle tunes.

Admission to the event is free; activities will take place rain or shine.

Bayview Farm & Garden welcomes everyone to Apple Day, so be sure to stop in at the nursery and see the new apple press in full swing.

Apple Day and the Mutt Strut is made possible by Bayview Farm & Garden with the help of Goosefoot Community Fund and the Bayview Farmers Market.