The party included the first preview of the upcoming 2012 menu (starting in June.) As a teaser, new menu items such as samplers of pork belly bites and house pulled pork sandwiches were available at the event. The proposed menu was distributed and indicated other items will include such delicacies as Deviled Duck Eggs and the “Vander Loaf” house made Meatloaf Sandwich. Standard Pizza Co., a popular mobile traveling wood fire pizza oven, was also on hand to provide additional nourishment.

Discounts included vintage T-shirts for $5; and yes, by vintage Vander Mill readily admits this is a polite way of saying overstocked. Also why let those old labels go to waste? ¾ cases of Michigan Wit, Totally Roasted, and the Traditional Apple hard cider were practically given away at almost half price. Totally Roasted is a special made cider which is soaked with over 4 pounds of cinnamon and vanilla roasted pecans per batch. The immediate impact to the taste is subtle, but the pleasant and surprising aftertaste can not be missed. Michigan Wit is a dry cider fermented with a wheat yeast and spiced with orange peel and coriander.

And what would a party be without live music? Classically trained vocalist and songwriter Karisa Wilson was on hand with folksy pop and blues. Karisa has just released her new CD “Stronger.”