August 25, 2011
Cider Mill's Reopening Heralds the Advent of Upstate Autumn
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
FLY CREEK, NY - The Fly Creek Cider Mill's Boomer and Boschert press will once again come to life on Saturday, September 3rd maintaining an autumn tradition of 155 years in the Upstate New York hamlet of Fly Creek just minutes from Cooperstown.
Known for its historically authentic machinery, the Mill makes its cider with the traditional rack-and-cloth method using the power of water and an antique Waterloo Boy Engine. Visitors can witness the process in the Cider Gallery overlooking the original equipment while operators demonstrate the cider-making technique and explain the process.
"For someone who hasn't experienced our Mill in operation, it can be truly memorizing to watch all the old equipment work," states Bill Michaels, co-owner of the Mill. "We painstakingly maintain and preserve the Mill so that returning generations can share in the fascination of our process."
The Mill operates the press every weekend from Labor Day until Thanksgiving producing all the Mill's sweet cider. "Our famous cider does change in flavor throughout the season depending on the apple varieties that are available. This year's excellent crop will allow us to use a wider mix of apple varieties for our early cider, creating a sweeter well-balanced product." says Bill.
Beyond the Mill's award-winning, fresh sweet cider, there are many more flavors to experience. Visitors can taste many kinds of gourmet specialty foods and signature items such as Apple and Corn Salsas, Mill-Aged Extra-Sharp New York State Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Fudge and current varieties of New York-grown apples. Also available for sampling are Hard Ciders and Wines from the Mill's Farm Winery and fresh-baked cookies and breads from the Bakery.
The Mill's fall festival season starts Labor Day Weekend, September 3rd. The Cooperstown Lions Club Just Ducky Weekend is September 10 & 11 followed by the popular Cooperstown Rotary Club AppleFest, September 17 & 18. October events feature the Big Squeeze Weekend for Breast Cancer Awareness and CiderFest on Columbus Day weekend.
The Mill is located just minutes from the historic Village of Cooperstown in Central New York State. For a full line-up of events and to purchase the Mill's products on-line, visit their website at www.flycreekcidermill.com or to request a printed schedule or to place a phone order call the Mill toll-free, 800-505-6455.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
