Terhune Orchards will host its annual Wassailing Party on Sunday January 24, 2016 from 1-4 p.m. Participants will gather among the 100 year-old trees In Terhune’s orchard to sing, chant, and make lots of noise under the bare tree branches to frighten away winter’s evil spirits so the apple trees will flourish in the spring.

This follows a long tradition from England in which many villages relied on the apple harvest. Knowing that the spring buds are on the trees in the winter, it was thought that creating a racket in winter would scare away bad spirits and ensure an excellent harvest in autumn. Molly dancers, dressed in traditional garb of black costumes, and Morris dancers, in white tunics adorned with bells and colorful ribbons, play an important role in the festivities each year.

Following the wassailing, partygoers are invited to help themselves to a cup of free hot apple cider and donuts or roast marshmallows over the camp fire. In the farm store, Spice Punch, a local quartet, will perform traditional songs and ballads. The winery tasting room will be open for wine tastings and hot spiced wine.

Terhune Orchards address is 330 Cold Soil Road in Princeton. For information, call (609) 924-2310.