It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, WA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Auburn, WA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I love working with such a compassionate team as we have hear at Always Best”
“So grateful for the team I have working with ABC. The most caring company I”
“I can not say enough about how caring and efficient their staff is. They take”
“I love my team at ABC. This is the most compassionate company. The owner, Phil”
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents”
“I love working with such a compassionate team as we have hear at Always Best Care. We work hard to be a resource to seniors and their families as the navigate changes in life.”
“So grateful for the team I have working with ABC. The most caring company I have ever been apart of. Thank you for always going above and beyond for employees and clients.”
“I can not say enough about how caring and efficient their staff is. They take such good care of their clients and are always friendly.”
“I love my team at ABC. This is the most compassionate company. The owner, Phil is dedicated to his staff and this community.”
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage and Eric was incredibly understanding and affected the changes exactly as requested... The care providers I've observed were very attentive to my Dad's needs...”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during an incredibly difficult time for our family. Silvia, Lucy and Michael were so kind and compassionate. We were able to adjust the care hours required very efficiently and had lots of support navigating these unfamiliar circumstances.”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One of the biggest reasons I’m still with this company is because the owners are very supportive and respectful to their employees. The management works well with employees schedules. The management is very dedicated to make sure all clients receive the very best care possible. I cannot recommend this company enough to work for!!”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder to represent this company . It's so great to work in an environment where the members of the team have a strong sense of camaraderie and a great work ethic. It's important to me to be able to trust my team members to always do their best because I do.”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the passion to support the growing community of elders.”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena and their entire home care team! We could not have cared for our mother at home without them!”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different agencies until we found them and have thanked our lucky stars. Reliable, educated and experienced. They have our family’s best interest and heart in mind.”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about our needs.”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person. They were caring, efficient and they did a good job.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed happy with the caregivers. As far as her life she was well fed, her physical hygiene was taken care of, and she had company. I'd recommend them because the caregivers were well trained and they showed a lot of care for my mother and they also kept the family informed.”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such as today with an early morning doctor's appointment, they easily change the schedule when we need. I already have. I like that they come and check and find out what our goals are, as well as working with the provider that comes to our home. They are well coordinated.”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care because I like the people who they send. They're just outstanding.”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills. I want them to follow-up more often.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have someone for you.”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents and their family members who use Always Best Care for in-home caregiving, as well as senior advising to find long term care placement. Phil and Steve are fantastic care partners, and great advocates for seniors in our area!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Town Creek Park in Auburn, WA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Depot or visit Willard Memorial Chapel, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Auburn, WA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Auburn, WA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Auburn, WA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
AUBURN, Wash. - An Auburn pet grooming shop owner is seeking community help after receiving an unexpected delivery of 14 cats and kittens last week.Naomi Ruffin, owner of Ruff-n-Fluff, had agreed to take in a few kittens from a friend of a friend who could no longer care for them. Expecting a mother cat and four or five kittens, Ruffin instead received two crates packed with 14 animals, including 11 kittens.An Unexpectedly Large RescueThe backstory:Upon opening the crates, Ruf...
AUBURN, Wash. - An Auburn pet grooming shop owner is seeking community help after receiving an unexpected delivery of 14 cats and kittens last week.
Naomi Ruffin, owner of Ruff-n-Fluff, had agreed to take in a few kittens from a friend of a friend who could no longer care for them. Expecting a mother cat and four or five kittens, Ruffin instead received two crates packed with 14 animals, including 11 kittens.
The backstory:
Upon opening the crates, Ruffin and her staff realized the magnitude of the situation. Some of the animals needed immediate medical attention, and veterinary exams revealed that three of the adult female cats appeared to be pregnant, indicating more kittens will arrive soon.
Despite the overwhelming numbers, Ruffin took in all 14 animals and vowed to help any future kittens that are born in her care. She and her staff have given the cats and kittens fruit-inspired names such as Apricot, Watermelon, and Lemon.
Dig deeper:
Caring for the large group has quickly strained the business's resources. Auburn Valley Animal Clinic has squeezed the animals into its schedule to provide veterinary exams and treatment, offering discounted services to help lighten the burden.
However, Ruffin noted that expenses for everyday necessities—including food, blankets, puppy pads, and medical treatments—are rapidly mounting.
What you can do:
An online fundraiser has been established to help cover the medical bills and care supplies needed to get the cats healthy. Ruffin hopes to stabilize the animals' health before placing them in permanent homes across the community.
If you are interested in adopting, you can inquire with Ruff-n-Fluff. They are currently determining the best way to screen those who might be interested in adopting.
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the or for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
A Washington gambler turned a $15 bet into hundreds of thousands of dollars over the weekend at an Auburn casino.The player placed the bet on the Attack from the Planet Moolah slot machine and turned the small wager into a $410,631 payout, the Muckleshoot Casino Resort posted on Facebook.“An out-of-this-world jackpot!” Muckleshoot wrote. “That’s one massive payday worth celebrating!”The Muckleshoot Casino Resort is located at 2402 Auburn Way S in Auburn, offering more than 3,400 gaming machi...
A Washington gambler turned a $15 bet into hundreds of thousands of dollars over the weekend at an Auburn casino.
The player placed the bet on the Attack from the Planet Moolah slot machine and turned the small wager into a $410,631 payout, the Muckleshoot Casino Resort posted on Facebook.
“An out-of-this-world jackpot!” Muckleshoot wrote. “That’s one massive payday worth celebrating!”
The Muckleshoot Casino Resort is located at 2402 Auburn Way S in Auburn, offering more than 3,400 gaming machines and more than 60 table games such as Texas Hold’em. The resort includes a 401-room hotel and the labc?but spa.
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, a nationwide burger chain co-founded by renowned chef Bobby Flay, announced late last year that its first Washington location will come to the Muckleshoot Casino Resort.
The burger chain’s 11th location will be inside the casino that welcomes more than 25,000 guests each week and operates 24/7.
“We’re proud to bring Bobby’s Burgers to Muckleshoot,” Tim Perkins, CEO of Muckleshoot Casino Resort, previously said. “This partnership underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering the very best in guest experiences. Bobby Flay’s curated menu of top-quality burgers and unmatched flavor further enhances Muckleshoot’s standing as one of Washington’s premier destinations for dining and entertainment.”
Bobby’s Burgers is continuing its goal of national expansion by debuting the brand farther west than ever before, bringing its award-winning franchise to Muckleshoot’s expansive 157,000 square-foot casino floor and 18-story, 401-room luxury hotel and spa.
The franchise is currently located inside several entertainment venues across the U.S., including Harrah’s Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and New Orleans, and Yankee Stadium.
“Opening inside Muckleshoot Casino Resort is an exciting move in our expansion across North America and beyond,” Bobby Flay, co-founder and namesake of Bobby’s Burgers, said. “We can’t wait for guests in Washington to get Crunchified.”
Guests of the resort can expect Flay’s signature culinary style, which pairs bold flavors with high-quality ingredients, all encapsulated in an innovative menu that’s “both elevated and approachable.”
Investigations revealed that a 35-year-old Auburn woman was driving northbound on SR 167 when she spun out of control, drifted across lanes, and slammed into the jersey barrierAuburn, WA – Two people were injured in a crash that caused one of the vehicles to roll over on Tuesday evening near Auburn.According to the Washington State Patrol, the incident took place at around 10:30 p.m. July 29, on State Route 167 at South 277th Street.Investigations revealed that a 35-year-old Auburn woman was drivin...
Investigations revealed that a 35-year-old Auburn woman was driving northbound on SR 167 when she spun out of control, drifted across lanes, and slammed into the jersey barrier
Auburn, WA – Two people were injured in a crash that caused one of the vehicles to roll over on Tuesday evening near Auburn.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the incident took place at around 10:30 p.m. July 29, on State Route 167 at South 277th Street.
Investigations revealed that a 35-year-old Auburn woman was driving northbound on SR 167 when she spun out of control, drifted across lanes, and slammed into the jersey barrier. The vehicle came to a rest in the roadway and was hit shortly after by a northbound vehicle that was driven by a 56-year-old man from Orting.
The impact of the accident caused the second vehicle to overturn and it came to a rest in the northbound lanes.
The Auburn driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. A passenger in her car, a 62-year-old Auburn woman, was also not wearing a seatbelt but was not hurt in the accident.
The Orting man was transported to Valley Medical Center in Renton with severe injuries. He was reportedly wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
According to WSP, speed is suspected to have played a role in the accident. It’s unclear whether impairment also contributed to the incident.
The WSP is investigating to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.
If you or a loved one were injured, a short conversation with our legal team can help you understand your rights, possible next steps, and whether legal action may be available. Click to call : 866-592-4049
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... It was 2 p.m. sharp, Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Hops and Crops Beer and Music Festival at Mary Olson Farm on Green River Road in Auburn.Swaying gently to the live music of Elevator Operator under a sun-and-cloud-mottled sky, Michelle Crites of Gig Harbor holds in her right hand a clear plastic cup a-sparkle with 5 oz. of Earl Gray Cider.Crites offered her upbeat opinion of the annual end of summer festival unfold...
| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
It was 2 p.m. sharp, Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Hops and Crops Beer and Music Festival at Mary Olson Farm on Green River Road in Auburn.
Swaying gently to the live music of Elevator Operator under a sun-and-cloud-mottled sky, Michelle Crites of Gig Harbor holds in her right hand a clear plastic cup a-sparkle with 5 oz. of Earl Gray Cider.
Crites offered her upbeat opinion of the annual end of summer festival unfolding around her at the restored farm at 28728 Green River Road.
“Good mix. Something to snack on, a taste of a drink, great music, hanging out with friends in a beautiful setting. Perfect.”
Overheard in passing at that moment, a couple new to the event.
“Looks different than I remember,” said a man, looking about.
The woman at his side laughed. “You’ve never been here before!”
“Oh. Oh yeah, that’s right!” he said.
Meanwhile, in stride with the 14 other vendors present this day, Sisters’ Ciderhouse carried on the brisk business of pouring drink and chatting it up with customers.
Caron, one of the Two Sisters in the family-owned company on Bainbridge Island (sister Randi was unavailable), said, this being her first Hops and Crops, she hadn’t known what to expect.
But things turned out well.
“It seems like a good crowd, and I’m happy that the weather is holding up. I was a little bit nervous that the rain was gonna come, but people are coming up, they’re drinking my cider and they’re very complimentary, I’m pouring Sweet Ass Bourbon and Blackberry Currant, and they’re pretty even (in popularity) with this crowd right now.”
Friem Brewery of Hood River, Oregon, likewise making its Hops and Crops debut, brought along its Tropical Hazy IPA, or, as salesman and pourer Nick Pillsberry described it, “the most popular new beer in Washington for months.”
The company advertises the IPA as “an infusion of Cashmere and Idaho 7 hops that creates an explosion of tropical fruitiness, taking you on a flavorful journey that will make you crave another sip.”
“We’ve been crushing it today, especially when the sun comes out,” Pillsberry said. “People love the IPA … and we’re loving how that has turned out.”
Auburn’s White River Valley Museum puts on the rain-or shine-festival at the restored farm a as a fundraiser to support its free and low-cost education programs there. Thousands of students throughout the region visit the farm every year to learn about history, farming, sustainability, Northwest salmon and stream ecology.
The 21-and-up-only event welcomed dogs of all ages, encouraged chairs and blankets, frowned on outside food, and prohibited outside alcohol, drugs and firearms.
Supplying the grub were trucks from Thai-U-Up Pizza, Pizza Maniac, Longhorn Barbecue and The Corndoggery.
253-534-9596
